In a world where creativity and nature intertwine, Andrea Fernandez is a vibrant force, illuminating the path of artistic expression through her deep connection to ecology and mindfulness. Growing up in a single-parent household, she learned to embrace resourcefulness and sustainability, weaving these values into her art. With each brushstroke, Andrea not only shares her inner magic but also invites others to connect with their own creativity and the natural world. In this interview, we delve into her journey, exploring how she navigates challenges, practices self-care, and inspires others to believe in their brilliance. Join us as we uncover the heart and soul behind Andrea Fernandez Art, where every creation is a celebration of life and interconnectedness.

What inspired you to start Andrea Fernandez Art?

My whole life is art, and I was finally ready to share it with the world.

How does your focus on ecology and the interconnection of all living things influence your art?

Ecology is the biggest influence on my art. It allows me to be present and mindful ad reminds me of my magic. My connection with source is powerful. I incorporate my inner knowing and energy into everything I co-create with nature. 

Can you share a personal story or moment that significantly shaped your artistic journey?

Growing up in a single family household has taught me to be resourceful and creative. Sustainability has always been important to me but its when I started incorporating it into my daily life and making it a part of my lifestyle, it transmuted into my artwork as well. I am grateful to have so many free materials easily accessible to me thanks to nature. 

What challenges have you faced in engaging with your audience, and how have you worked to overcome them?

I am just learning to be okay with putting myself out there on socials more and overall just having a stronger social media presence. I am very private so being able to put myself out there and be vulnerable online is completely out of my comfort zone. I find when pushing myself out of my comfort zone I allow the growing pains to heal my limiting beliefs and makes it easier for me to post more content. The only way to get comfortable doing something is to continue to do it! 

How do you balance your creative work with other aspects of your life?

My work is my life. I always make time to create and I make it a priority to maintain that relationship always. Without creating, there is no purpose for me. I am here to express and inspire and I honor that purpose. I am also here to grow and learn and nature teaches me so much so I make sure to incorporate art in everything I do.  

Have you faced any mental health struggles related to your art or creative process? If so, how have you managed them?

I think challenges always come your way as a small business owner. Sometimes you have good days, sometimes not so much. Sometimes you handle challenges with grace, sometimes you go through the motions of perceiving and having expectations. All expression of life challenges are tools you can use to heal! I think it's important to put your health first, no matter what you do. I think it's so easy to feel burnt out. Rest and recovery has been a game changer for me recently.    

How do you stay motivated and inspired when facing creative blocks or challenges?

I am someone that visualizes works multiple times throughout the day. My intuition is strong and I trust my vision. I like to believe that my ancestors use my hands alongside me as tools to remind me and my viewers to practice stillness and moments of mindfulness. Creating is an ancestral practice we all possess and it is important to acknowledge and remember that connection we have to one another.

What role does self-care play in your creative process and overall well-being? 

Self care is important for our mental health. For me specifically I can’t produce my best work if I am neglecting myself. It is equally important to give yourself grace and not force production. You will flow best when you are putting yourself first. Self care for me personally includes writing, exploring, being in nature, all things that inspire me as an artist. 

How do you think your personal experiences and background influence your art?

I think to my core Ive always been a spiritual person. I have always felt this deep admiration and connection to life and all living things. My family grew up in nature and I was always rich in experiences. Spirituality and nature is a huge part of my culture and I always learned to respect and nurture it. I believe having that support and understanding at a young age has definitely helped influence my art and even the way I view the world. 

What advice would you give to other women pursuing their passion in the arts?

I am a firm believer in believing in your power. I encourage all women pursuing their passions to believe in their brilliance and to transmute the nurturer within you into your works. As women we are very intuitive and trusting your gut will never steer you in the wrong direction. My biggest advice aside from that is to have fun! If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated take a step back and nurture and nourish yourself. 

Can you describe a piece of your work that holds special meaning to you and why?

Most if not all of my works hold a special place in my heart because they are an extension of myself, specified and encapsulated in a moment. All my work has my energy infused into it and I don’t take that lightly. I will say the pieces that hold a special meaning to me are the pieces that inspire others to look within and practice mindfulness and navigate life with an open heart. I aim to heal as a collective through art and I am hopeful when my work resonates with my viewers. 

How has your art evolved since you first started, and what do you hope to achieve in the future?

My art is forever flowing and growing and evolving. I am someone that is eager to learn and I hope to never lose that curiosity and the joy it brings me. I think I am much more responsible in sourcing my materials and incorporate mindfulness into the process down to materials and production. I hope to achieve more tools and more knowledge so I can continue to share my expression in all the mediums that interest me and bring me joy. 

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your artistic career so far?

The most rewarding aspect of my artistic career has definitely been the outpour of encouragement and support from my community. I would like to mention a close second which is the growth and healing my art has been able to give not only myself but others. It is super inspiring to be able to connect with your audience on a deeper level. 

How do you handle criticism and feedback about your work?

I think I am at a place now where I am proud of my work and my works purpose. Feedback is always welcome but I am more than pleased in myself and my authentic expression that criticism doesn’t make or break me. Art is subjective and I accept that not everyone is receptive to my work and its meaning.
 
What are some resources or support systems that have been particularly helpful to you in your journey?

Having an amazing support system is everything to me. I am so grateful for all the inspiring people in my life that move me to put myself out there and share my inner knowing and wisdom with the world. My grandmother was always extremely proud and supportive of everything I ever made or showed her. I think seeing my artwork hung up in her house at a young age reassured me that more was possible for me with my art. I also want to stress the significance of resourcefulness and how important that can be for many artists who struggle financially. You can create with anything! Do not feel limited because you don’t have all the materials you would like to afford or have access to. Work with what you got, I promise you you will sharpen your creativity and it will help you be a better artist. 

In a world where fantasy and storytelling can ignite the imagination, Theresa Maria Villarreal stands out as a beacon of creativity. Her "Adventures in Oculus" series invites young readers on extraordinary journeys, reflecting her own passions as a teacher and mother. Theresa’s work not only entertains but also inspires courage and belief in the impossible. With a profound influence from literary greats like C.S. Lewis, her writing intertwines adventure with meaningful themes. Join us as we explore her journey, the challenges she faces in balancing multiple projects, and the heartfelt connections she makes through storytelling. Through her experiences, Theresa reminds us of the magic that comes from perseverance and the power of a good story.

In "The Courage to Exist in Daylight," Tricia Kucinski bravely shares her journey of self-discovery, healing, and the complexities of identity through the lens of her Native American heritage. With a unique blend of autobiographical fiction, Tricia crafts a powerful narrative that not only highlights her personal experiences on the Wind River Indian Reservation but also sheds light on the often-overlooked stories of mixed-race individuals. In this interview, we delve into the inspiration behind her book, the emotional challenges she faced while writing, and the profound lessons she hopes readers will take away. Join us as Tricia offers insights into navigating grief, embracing authenticity, and the importance of finding joy amidst life's struggles.

1. Can you share more about the inspiration behind "The Courage to Exist in Daylight"?

My initial inspiration for my book was solely that I thought I had an important story to tell. I felt like I had something big to get off my chest, and had a sense that it would be meaningful to other people. 

The further I got in the process, I really saw how limited peoples’ view of Native American history, social issues, etc were, and I had to take several steps back to make sure I did right by the story.

2. How much of your book is based on your real-life experiences on the Wind River Indian Reservation?

My book is in the autobiographical fiction genre, so a significant amount is based on my own experiences. However, I studied fiction writing, and a primary objective of writing the book was to tell a great, well-rounded story. That meant I needed the flexibility to make some creative departures. 

Also, more importantly, I had my mom’s blessing to draw on her life and experiences in my writing, with the promise that I would change her name and other details. 

3. Can you tell us about the significance of your late mother in your book and in your life?

I was very close to my mom, and I credit much of my strength of character and achievements to her. She was an extremely loving, assuring person, and I owe her quite a lot to her for who I am as a woman. I don’t think I’ve met another person who could see and understand me so precisely in terms of my personhood, and offer total and unwavering love and acceptance. 

It took several years to finally process the grief of her passing, and I consider my book at least a little bit of justice for some of the traumas and indignities she experienced.

4. What challenges did you face while writing about such personal and emotional topics?

I started the book when my Mom was still alive, and I didn’t really know what direction it was going. I was very angry with her, though, and my writing was much more flippant and sarcastic than I wanted it to be. It was a disservice to the story, really, and unkind to her in a way that made me more ashamed than proud. 

After she passed, it was a handful of years before I was ready to face my overwhelming grief. After a lot of tough years in therapy, I was ready to get to work, and I was able to tap into that anguish and give it a purpose.

5. How do you navigate and portray the complexities of mixed race identity in your book?

It’s really dang hard! Especially having grown up in Wyoming where it was pretty starkly white people and Native Americans, and then moving to Chicagoland where people think Native Americans are extinct. My primary goal was to highlight Native invisibility, and also present an objective view into what it can be like from both sides.  

So many people have mixed-race identities and can relate to the rejection, confusion, and even bigotry that can come with it.

6. What do you hope readers will take away from your story, especially those dealing with grief and adversity?

Grief changes you in a really permanent way, but you can’t let it win. You can’t let sadness and anger consume you. You need to find it in yourself to reach for joy as much as you can. You can’t strip the sadness off of you or put it down at the end of the day, but you can overwhelm it with other thoughts and feelings. I think of my bad memories and grief as the monster in my brain, so I get up and find a worthwhile way to engage with the world as much as I can, and that purpose keeps the monster at bay.

7. Can you describe the burial ceremonies mentioned in your book and their cultural importance?

The ceremonies in my book are specific to Eastern Shoshone customs, and those of my family. There’s quite a lot involved in the burial ceremonies, but in essence, the ceremonies are to help the deceased person’s soul complete their journey, and guide loved ones through their mourning. Parts of the ceremony involve a wake in a teepee, burning a fire all night long to help their soul find their way back to their body, and a cedaring ceremony and wailing women for healing. 

8. How has writing "The Courage to Exist in Daylight" helped you in your own healing process?

Writing this book helped me understand where my grief and anger was coming from, and it helped me see my Mom as a flawed but remarkable person. It helped me see her not just as my mom, but a woman and person with hopes, fears, shortcomings, and really significant and special strengths. 

I won’t spoil the ending, but I wrote an epilogue of which many people have wondered if it’s true to my life. It’s not, but we’ll call it wishful thinking. 

9. What advice would you give to women who are struggling with their own identity and past traumas?

Not only are you enough, but you are everything and you are whole. You aren’t made of tiny, haphazard pieces, or a fraction of your identity. Don’t give anyone the power to make you feel small or lacking.

I wrote this about my mom, but it’s relevant here: 

When someone wanted to reduce her, there was always, always something left. 

Let us not give any single person, or any single event, the power to reduce us.

10. How do you balance authenticity and sensitivity when writing about your personal experiences and cultural heritage?

This can be hard, especially when I want to ensure I’m being respectful and not painting a whole group of people in a negative light, while also drawing on real and true-to-life experiences. I think it comes down to honoring your culture and honoring yourself. I try to ask myself if something needs to be said, or has a good reason to be said. Above all else, we should try to be sensitive and well-meaning.

11. Can you share any feedback or reactions you've received from readers that have touched you deeply?

Oh, so many. The reception of my book has been the most uplifting experience of my life. So many people have told me they struggle with multi-racial identities and felt seen and understood. People also told me how they personally related to various themes in the book, like abuse, or parents and family with substance use struggles. Releasing the book made me feel like some of my toughest life experiences were on a billboard in Times Square, so the outreach and connection from readers was really soothing.

12. What has been the most rewarding part of sharing your story with the world?

Telling the world, “you’ll never believe what I’ve been through”— and they did. 🙂

13. How do you handle moments of self-doubt or writer's block during your creative process?

Self-doubt is a really difficult, chronic part of being a writer. Sometimes I think I wrote the best line ever crafted, and sometimes it feels so embarrassing to fancy myself a writer! I suggest finding at least one trusted beta reader and believing them. If they suggest something is stellar— believe them! Needs work? Believe them! And if you disagree, well, there are no rules and you are ultimately in charge. 

Not to sound annoying, but I don’t get writer’s block. My mind never powers down; it’s actually a whole other burden. 

But I do believe in writing “crap”. If you hit a wall, just keep writing…crap. Get anything on the page, even fragments of thoughts. Then take a break and revisit it with fresh eyes so you can see exactly why it’s bad. Then make it good. 

14. In what ways do you think your book can contribute to the broader conversations about grief and identity in society?

Even though my book is specifically about Native American issues and more specifically, my tribe and family, the themes are truly universal. Grief, losing a parent, and not knowing where you fit in or how to find and connect with your “people”, are just baked into the human experience. 

15. What future projects or themes do you hope to explore in your writing?

I will always have a biting opinion on social and systemic issues. I’m sure that will always be in the fabric of anything I write. I am currently writing my second novel about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women/Relatives (MMIW/MMIR) epidemic. 

In writing such heavy topics, I have tried to have an element of comedic relief. In this case, my main ensemble of characters are late-teen siblings, so there’s a lighthearted and youthful element of relief to it. I am sure I will always write about the human condition, and all its tragedies and triumphs. 

I took a Science Fiction Writing class once that I was spectacularly bad at, so maybe I’ll explore that again someday. haha

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ᴛⷮrͬiͥcͨiͥaͣ Kucinski (aͣᴋⷦaͣ Cͨhͪiͥ Dͩoͦll) 🍉 (@_chi_doll) • Instagram photos and videos

Morgan Brady's journey with her debut poetry collection, I Let Her Speak, is nothing short of transformative. Born from years of hardship and profound personal struggle, her book is a testament to the healing power of writing. After enduring abuse and emotional turmoil, Morgan found solace and strength through her pen, channeling her pain into poignant verses that speak to the heart of trauma and recovery. I Let Her Speak isn't just a collection of poems; it is a courageous exploration of suffering, resilience, and the ultimate triumph of finding one's voice amidst the darkness. Morgan's story is a powerful reminder that even in our deepest struggles, our creativity can become a beacon of hope and empowerment, inspiring others to embrace their own journeys of healing.

  1. What inspired you to write "I Let Her Speak," and how did your personal experiences shape the content of the book?

I had been writing for as long as I could remember. After years of abuse at the hands of my father, I was pushed to the brink and was forced to cut contact with him in order to protect myself, my friends, and my family. When this finally happened, I didn’t know what else to do; all I knew how to do was write. So, that's what I did.

I Let Her Speak was inspired by those experiences with my father and with my mental health in general. The poems you see in the first chapter, She Speaks, were poems written when I was truly in the darkness regarding my mental health. The second chapter, I Listened, was crafted much later, after several years of therapy and separation. Pairing the two together created a poetry collection that I felt needed to be heard by more than just myself.

  1. How did surviving domestic violence and childhood trauma influence your approach to writing poetry?

My approach to writing poetry has certainly been shaped by my experiences with domestic violence. I think I tend to view most things through the lens of the oppressed; I have great sympathy for people undergoing intense struggle, as I understand the emotions that come with it. I believe a lot of my writing centers around giving the people who are often stepped on a platform to step up.

  1. Can you describe the emotional journey you went through while writing this collection?

Oh man, the emotional journey that came with writing I Let Her Speak was something else. I went through the five stages of grief writing this poetry collection. I had moments of true sorrow, anger, and even straight up fear. When I came out on the other side of therapy and finally found myself capable of writing poems about joy, it felt like breathing for the first time. I had never really written poetry about being happy, perhaps because I hadn’t been able to fully understand it. This poetry collection took me through just about every emotion you can have, and I think that's something that survivors of domestic violence will truly resonate with.

  1. In what ways did writing this book help you in your healing process?

Writing I Let Her Speak allowed me to let go. I did so many things to heal from my childhood trauma, but nothing helped quite as much as writing this book did. I became capable of taking a step outside of myself and began to truly realize that, if I was someone else, I would never blame them for what had happened. In this way, I was able to stop blaming myself for someone else’s actions.

  1. How do you manage the emotional toll of revisiting such painful experiences through your writing?

When writing a book as emotional as I Let Her Speak, you have to take care of yourself. This book was hard to write. Revisiting those experiences was straining, but I’m glad I did it. I would take a lot of time in between bouts of writing to just allow myself to process. During those hiatuses where I let myself breathe, I would remind myself of one very important thing: I am turning my pain into power. That thought is what kept me returning to the book time and time again.

  1. What strategies did you use to keep your writing process both therapeutic for yourself and impactful for your readers?

In order to keep the writing process therapeutic for myself and impactful for readers, I wrote the book in two parts. First, I wrote the book just how it was. My feelings, my thoughts, and my opinions, as specific as I desired them to be. Then, when I came to the conclusion that I really did want to publish this book, I went back through and revised poems to make them slightly more generalized, thinking about the people who would be reading the poems this time around. For anyone who is in a similar situation, I can say this: revision is tedious, but it is your best friend when it comes to crafting impactful work.

  1. How do you handle moments of self-doubt or emotional overwhelm while working on your creative projects?

There were many times where I had self-doubt and overwhelming feelings writing this book. I couldn’t tell you the number of times I asked myself, “Should I be doing this? Am I sharing too much?”

But then I realized what I was writing: A book motivating people to speak their truths about their most terrifying experiences. How could I expect anyone to feel inspired to stand with me if I would not stand myself? Once I recognized the hypocrisy in it - that I had been taught not to stand up for myself all my life and was debating standing down out of fear - I cast those doubts away from me. I could not help anyone at all if I was silent.

In a strange way, it was the people who have not yet held this book in their hands that motivated me to keep writing despite my doubts.

  1. What advice would you offer to other women who are using writing as a means of processing trauma?

The best advice I can offer women who are writing in order to process trauma is this: Don’t stop.

If the writing is just for you, if it’s private and you have no intention of sharing it, keep writing anyways. It will help you heal.

If you plan on sharing your work, don’t stop because of doubts. I didn’t know what I was doing when I first started writing I Let Her Speak. Self-doubt is your worst enemy and the easiest way to banish it is to keep going in spite of it.

  1. How did you ensure that your work validates the feelings of your readers while also helping them navigate their own emotions?

By separating the book into two chapters, I feel that I Let Her Speak easily allows readers to validate their own feelings while also helping them navigate their own emotions.

The first chapter, She Speaks, allows readers to really process these negative feelings and thoughts without feeling judged. Rather than elaborating on emotions and then immediately trying to provide a solution, readers are allowed to sit in their feelings in the first chapter. I think this part of the process is very necessary as you can’t navigate something that you don’t understand.

The second chapter, I Listened, is where we take those emotions and find a way to dismantle them and gain our power back. A little known fact about the book is that every poem in I Listened actually correlates directly back to a poem from She Speaks. This effectively makes it to where those exact emotions the reader related to in the beginning have a hopeful message by the end of the book.

  1. Can you share any personal insights or growth you experienced as a result of completing this book?

I Let Her Speak helped me grow so far beyond anything I ever thought possible.

My experiences with domestic violence left me with a lot of negative opinions of myself and the world around me. I truly believed that I was a burden on others, that I was a waste of space, that my family would be better off without me, and that life would only get worse as I got older. I believed all these things because they were ideas another person impressed upon me, not things I had learned on my own.

Writing this poetry collection allowed me to realize I was wrong without feeling judged or feeling like my feelings had been all for nothing. Writing I Let Her Speak let me realize that, without those horrible experiences, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I will always wish I didn’t have to suffer the way I did. But to turn this trauma into something so beautiful and uplifting is something I wouldn’t change for the world.

I did not deserve the pain I went through. But neither did the many people who will read this book. Together, we can grow. That brings me peace.

  1. How do you hope your poetry will impact readers who have faced similar experiences?

A very common experience among survivors of childhood abuse and domestic violence is the shared feeling of being silenced. Many of us are ridiculed for our experiences, treated as if we are dramatic, or even accused of overreacting when we get to the point where we can’t take it anymore. So many of us will hear things like “But that’s your parent!” or “I would never do that to my mother/father/brother/etc.”

My hope is that this poetry collection shows people that these feelings are real. The inner turmoil that comes with being abandoned and broken down by the people who are supposed to uplift you the most is insurmountable. Coming out of these experiences and finding a way to talk about them, to bring awareness to them, and to help others survive them is such a huge display of strength and perseverance. I want to show other survivors that simply surviving is an achievement in itself. Many of us don’t survive. People who read this book and have survived, or are surviving, deserve that recognition. I am hoping this book gives them that, along with the strength to carry on.

  1. What future projects or plans do you have in mind, and how do you envision continuing your work in supporting survivors through your writing?

I am currently working on two more poetry collections as well as a fiction novel. One of these poetry collections talks a lot about love and romantic relationships; Since it does, I am hoping to incorporate the difference between “fake” love and real love, giving people in romantic relationships a platform to discover their truths. My fiction novel also features slight themes of domestic violence, something I am hoping can show readers that your chosen family can truly be your real family.

Outside of writing, I would love to start speaking at seminars or online courses regarding domestic violence, childhood abuse, and similar topics. I have a lot to say and have written tons of opinion pieces that are unpublished on those subjects, and I think that going beyond the book would be an amazing experience. I would also love to get to a point with my writing where proceeds from books could go towards charities that help childhood abuse and domestic violence survivors such as myself get the care that they need.

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Sarah Nadler’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of mindset. From overcoming the stigma of homelessness to building a successful wedding business and then transitioning into a thriving coaching career, Sarah’s story is one of relentless perseverance. Despite facing enormous challenges, including living out of a truck with her husband, Sarah never lost sight of her goals. Through the use of affirmations, a strong belief in her destiny, and an unwavering focus, she turned her hardships into stepping stones for success. Today, as a six-figure coach, Sarah is dedicated to empowering other women to break financial barriers, build wealth, and create lives of purpose and abundance. Her story is an inspiring reminder that with the right mindset, no obstacle is insurmountable.

How did you manage the emotional and practical challenges of being homeless while starting a new business?

At first, the biggest challenge was overcoming the shame. I felt a lot of embarrassment at having left a comfortable career and knew my family and former friends wouldn't understand... and for the most part I was right. Having that confirmed, verbally and in the body language of people I loved and respected when I told them, was the hardest part. But I felt a determination that is hard to describe: I just had this certainty inside me that this was the right move and that I was destined for something more. Leaning into that feeling and allowing it to drown out the mortification and fear of what the future might bring allowed me to stay hyper focused on my goals instead of wallowing in the misery and depression that I felt.

What role did affirmations and mindset play in your journey of overcoming adversity?

I would say that affirmations meant EVERYTHING in how I got through the day. At that time, I had no funds or resources for counseling or self-care, and so many people in my life were shocked and dismayed, and trying to advise me against my plans. I became obsessed with reframing my thoughts. "I can't do this" became "I AM doing this". "I'll never make it" turned into "My success is inevitable because I refuse to give up". Every negative mindset and depressing thought, I simply flipped the script and repeated the positive one until I FELT it. Until I believe it. It was the hardest thing I've ever done--to convince myself not to give up, and to believe in the impossible. But I knew that if I allowed myself to wallow in those thoughts...I was so close to starvation and failure, even one slip could have been the end of all my hopes and dreams. So I just refused to let the thoughts win.

Can you share more about how you built your successful wedding business from scratch?

I had owned a business previously--a residential cleaning company in Colorado ten years before. So I repeated my successful actions from that time: hitting the pavement to network with other wedding vendors, and finding where engaged couples hang out online so I could be in those spaces. Many people when they're starting a business make the mistake of being too pitchy: I avoided that at all costs. Instead, I focused on being a resource. I'd chosen the wedding industry because I'd been ordained since I was 19 and had performed weddings for free for years for family, colleagues and friends. So I was able to answer questions in Facebook Groups from couples who were engaged for the first time and swimming in the overwhelm of planning a wedding. For vendors, I leaned on my background in advertising to be a helpful friendly resource on any questions relating to how to find clients, etc. I offered to refer couples to them down the road. My approach was neighborly, not pitchy, and I made friends. Some of those friends referred me couples down the road. 

I had no money for advertising in the beginning, but I had lots of time, so I used social media and knocked on doors of other prominent wedding vendors in town until I landed my first jobs. As soon as I could afford to, I started running ads online and that is how I really made a name for myself.

What was the most significant lesson you learned from your experience of living in your husband’s truck?

I think the most significant lesson was the value of having a spouse who will stick by you no matter what. We left LA together, and to wind up in a situation like that solely due to our own choices could have broken either of us... or driven us apart. Instead, it brought us together. I think we both had the feeling, "If we don't stand together, we'll both fall together." That helped us work as a team to find jobs and build the business we did. Soon the business was making more than the jobs were...and that was an incredible feeling.

How do you continue to nurture and strengthen your mindset now that you’ve achieved success?

As soon as I could get access to it (and afford to) I paid for spiritual counseling. I'm straight edge, so no medications or drugs, and the traditional Western mental health system really scares me, its so full of abuse and violent treatments. But working with a certified spiritual counselor helped me actually heal the trauma around money, my past career, and my relationships with the people I cared about. That helped far more than affirmations had, and I would encourage any woman who is trying to heal herself without the help of a professional to get the help she needs. Affirmations alone won't support you forever.

Today, I still work with the same spiritual counselor I have had for years. He is incredible, and our conversations these days are more about growth mindset and adding abilities than healing the past. 

How did you transition from overcoming personal struggles to growing your coaching brand to six figures?

When COVID hit, my wedding business was affected. I stuck it out for a while, but I had already been ready for a change; I had wanted to step into the coaching space and even went back to school to get certified. So we made the decision to sell my wedding business and our home in Oregon, and hit the road as digital nomads. We traveled for two years, seeing family across the US and Canada, and I quickly scaled my coaching business into my full time income. The past experience of having built and sold two successful businesses made that possible. In January of 2022, I started shifting my focus from broad "business coaching" to my micro niche of finance & money coaching for business women. Niching down like that is what helped me to hit our first $6-figure year. 

What future goals do you have for your coaching brand as you aim for the seven-figure mark?

My current focus is to add to our team. I've brought on three other money coaches in the last few months--they are in training right now and one has started to build her client base already. That is the biggest thing my coaching business needs in order to scale: I can't be the only one who can coach clients. Since we work in financial services, pure group coaching is not an option for us. We have to be licensed in the state where the client is located in order to give financial advice, and I want to always be able to support our female entrepreneur clients with the financial products she needs to feel financially secure and to build wealth outside her business.  

Another goal as we aim for the $7-figure mark is to host more in person events. I've seen this trend since 2020 of coaches moving into the purely digital space, but retreats and conferences provide a level of support, self-care and spiritual/mental healing that you just can't get over Zoom. We purchased a 16-acre farm in Kansas and are in the process of renovating to turn it into a retreat and event space for just that purpose.8. 

What kind of impact do you hope your story and coaching brand will have on other women?

Up until the 1970s, women really didn't even have a presence in finance. An hispanic woman like me would never have been welcome on the stock exchange floor. So many women I speak to who own their own full time business built it by bootstrapping--without a penny of outside funding, and today women are still experiencing discrimination when applying for bank loans; despite the fact that women-led business are on average more profitable than businesses in the same industry that are male-led. My only hope is that my story and the Fierce Feminine Finance brand will empower women to do great things in the world of investing and business. That it will allow widows, single moms, and divorcees to put food on the table without having to work 50+ hours in her business to do it. That couples who own a full time business together will sleep a little better at night because they know we protected their kids, employees and each other in case the worst happens. That we will inspire and give hope to victims of domestic violence to escape their situation, because she has confidence in her ability to financially support herself without her abuser. The best part is, we already have stories like these...and many more. That's truly the only legacy I care about leaving behind me.  

IG: @fiercefemininefinance

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Sarah Nicole Nadler | Money Coach For Entrepreneurs (@fiercefemininefinance) • Instagram photos and videos


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Meet Emma Jeynes, a poet whose work resonates deeply with those who navigate the complexities of mental health. Writing under the evocative name "Join the Abyss," Emma transforms her personal struggles into a powerful artistic voice, inviting readers into her world of raw, unfiltered emotion. Her journey, marked by a profound connection to her experiences and a desire to give voice to others' unspoken feelings, showcases the transformative power of poetry. As she shares her story, Emma's words offer solace and insight, illustrating how embracing one's vulnerabilities can lead to extraordinary creative expression.

1. What inspired you to start writing poetry under the name "Join the Abyss," and how does this name reflect your creative vision?

I began writing poetry in my late teens, I used it as a way of expressing difficult emotions I was experiencing, in regard to my mental health. This later came to light with a diagnosis of type 1 bipolar disorder. "Join the Abyss" was a way of explaining how that time in my life felt. It was as if I was in a constant state of being stuck in the abyss, and with my work I felt like I was inviting people into a snippet of my mind and the way I viewed life through my own personal lense. The aim of my work was to vocalise for others emotions they might not be able to explain themselves.

2. Can you share a pivotal moment in your life that led you to embrace poetry as a form of self-expression?

I began writing as a child but along with music. I remember writing comedic songs to cheer up my friend Leanna, when going through those first experiences of heartbreak. I believe the moment that really defined my need to creatively write as a way of self-expression, was at 14/15 when my grandfather passed away. I wrote a moving song, that was more serious and heavier lyrically than musically based for the first time. Getting those words and thoughts out on to paper and out loud really felt like a relief. This really stayed with me, and further down the line I made the swap over of leaving the music out of my projects and concentrating solely on the words.

3. How has your experience with mental health influenced your poetry and your creative process?

I feel my best work comes from intense feelings and emotions. If I feel passionate about a specific experience, person, topic etc. The words flow out of me easily and this is the work I am proud of the most. Reading my work, especially my earlier work you will be able to me through each journey, from mania to depression to psychosis and then to times of self-reflection. I feel self-reflection is an important part of the writing experience and having had plenty of experience and opportunity of this, it is heavily ingrained in my work, with a lot of my pieces encouraging self-acceptance.

4. What challenges have you faced as a disabled woman in society, and how do these experiences shape your work?

People take advantage when you are vulnerable, and are quick to judge. Although I do tend to keep my disorder to myself unless relevant. It is often been used as an escape for others to feel less responsible for their actions, as if I am 'crazy' then I suppose there is no need for them to have to take accountability for their actions, as my perspective isn't accurate in their eyes. This is often expressed a lot in my poetry, a piece I wrote called "HUSH" really defines a topic I am passionate about, specifically my favourite of all my work. It covers the topic of rape culture, which is such a important topic to discuss and there should be a safe space for people to be able to express how their experiences have shaped them.

5. How do you approach the process of self-publishing, and what has been the most rewarding part of this journey for you?

I am yet to self-publish, currently typing up my book to be able to accomplish this. With over 200 pieces of work, it is taking some time. I have been included in 2 anthologies, through a lovely cause that supports different social changes with each anthology. They are called 'the social rhyme' and you can find them on social media platforms if you are interested in reading work on a multitude of themes.

6. In what ways does everyday life and your personal journey find its way into your poetry?

Everyway, I find inspiration in the smallest things. From the leaves falling from autumn trees to advice given from friends. I think you can really feel the progress and changes as I've matured and learnt to cope in my work. On good days and bad days, there is space to reflect, if that's to vent or express gratitude.

7. How do you cope with creative blocks or challenges in your writing, and what motivates you to keep going?

I do this wonderful activity when I am experiencing creative block, where I write a poem about being unable to write. It's always a fun activity and always seems to get the flow back. It sounds mad, but it works a charm and people always laugh when I tell them. Not only am I selfishly motivated by how It helps me feel a sense of relief and pride. But the fact I get people tell me they're grateful for what I spoke of, or how they appreciated specific lines in my work makes it worth all the while. As the original reason I put my work out there was to help others be able to express their difficult emotions just as I was. As a space to find common ground.

8. What role does mental health play in your daily life, and how do you maintain a balance between your well-being and your creative pursuits?

It isn't as much of a role as it was when I was younger, and until I found the right medication daily life was a battle. I believe they go hand in hand, my creative pursuits are my sanity. If I am having a difficult or testing day, my pen and paper is always there to listen. No matter time of day and night. This is such a healthy and rewarding outlet. Performing at events, open mics and competitions has really helped me gain confidence that became knocked during my path in life.

9. Can you describe a specific poem or piece of work that holds significant meaning for you, and why?

'HUSH' this really is the most personal poem I have written. I bared it all, all of my deep hidden ashamed feelings. That so many woman have told me they are grateful I spoke and wrote openly. It's an emotional piece and really shines a light on society and the structures we have found ourselves placed in. It will forever be my favourite piece.

10. What advice would you give to other women who are navigating their creative journeys while dealing with personal struggles?

Keep at it! Everyday won't be a good day, everyday won't be a great day or creative day. But slowly you're getting there. You don't have to be creative daily, you'll know when it is necessary or needed or even wanted. Just keep chipping at it, and keep feeding in to whatever makes you feel proud and passionate about.

11. How has your poetry been received by others, and what impact do you hope it has on your readers?

I have had more positive experiences than negatives. Most people are very supportive, some thanked me for sharing words that resonate with them. I have been heckled twice, specifically when I've talked about rape culture and beauty standards. I hope my work gets people thinking outside of their usually opinion and I'd like it to make space for conversations on opinions that we differ with, there's always space to understand and learn more.

12. What has been the most challenging aspect of self-publishing, and how have you overcome these challenges?

I am still in process of typing up me 200+ pieces, so currently it is getting it all typed up. Especially as I am dyslexic, so am not the most patient typer.

13. How do you stay inspired and connected to your creative self amidst the demands of everyday life?

By continuously putting myself put there, saying yes to new experiences and tackling all the new life experiences that comes with maturing day by day. I often in times of creative block, still get thoughts of sentences that would work well, and I save them in my notes to come back to for future inspiration.

14. What role does community and support play in your writing journey, and how have you built your network?

I began my journey on tumblr and instagram, I began attending open mics and soon started to become booked for events. The atmosphere at open mics is incredible, everyone is beyond supportive and friendly. There's a welcoming environment filled with so much space to express yourself and your work. Community is a huge part to learning and adapting within creativity. My network still isn't as large I'd like it to be, sadly algorithms are not what they used to be. But I have recently joined tik tok and have been posting videos with voice overs of my work to appeal to not only people who like to read their poetry.

15. What are your future goals for your poetry, and how do you plan to achieve them?

I would love to self-publish, I have been heavily looking in to this recently. I have the name of the book and a beautiful cover designed by two beautiful friends of mine (@ajillustration and @lucilastration) Once I have typed up all my work, I will be 100% sending off to the printers. So keep your eyes out in the near future.

IG: @jointheabyss

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In a world often overwhelmed by the noise of everyday life, Wingedpen emerges as a beacon of hope and healing through the power of poetry. Founded by a self-taught poet who discovered her voice amidst the whirlwind of law school, Wingedpen embodies a journey of self-discovery and artistic expression. With each poem, the founder seeks to uplift, heal, and connect with others on a deeply personal level, offering a sanctuary where emotions can be felt, understood, and transformed. As Wingedpen continues to soar, its mission remains clear: to touch hearts, foster positivity, and remind us all of the beauty in vulnerability and self-love.

1. What inspired you to create Wingedpen and how does it reflect your personal journey and values? 

I was in the last semester of law school when I had my first poem published in a prestigious journal. I am completely self-taught, so it felt like an achievement, which gave me the courage to share my poems publically, and so Wingedpen was born.  

My purpose behind sharing my work is to heal people, fill them with positivity, and be someone who understands, sees, and accepts everyone for who they are. There has been nothing else that I have wanted more but to see good hearts feel something positive after reading my poems.                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. How do you use poetry as a tool for healing and expressing self-love and positivity?         

I think art in any form (literary, visual, or performing) is capable of not just healing but completely transforming human beings. No other medicine in the world can make you feel certain emotions that require a release for your blocks to clear and body to heal. Feeling is healing and art is one way to do it.

So, before writing or posting a poem, I connect with my breath and imagine the best possible outcome for anyone who reads it, including myself, and it has done wonders for me, the most magnificent being falling in love with my existence.                                                                                                                           

Can you share the story behind your poetry handle, Wingedpen, and what it signifies for you?

During my last year in college, I really trusted some friends and they let me down in a way that affected my emotional and mental health. 

Slowly, I realised that it wasn’t just one incident that had affected me but a string of unprocessed emotions from several years that had finally come to the surface. I knew I had to find a way to process and release them. So, one day, amid the whirlwind of emotions, I picked up a pen and paper and wrote exactly how I felt. I wrote it again and again and one night, a beautiful poem was created out of it. 

I had never felt connected to an art form before, and I can honestly say, that was the night I truly became a poet. A month later, my work was published in a prestigious journal for the first time and soon, Wingedpen was born. It literally signifies a pen with wings because that’s how I feel when writing poems - I fly beyond the limit of the sky! And I feel my best when my readers tell me how they feel seen and appreciated after reading my work.

What challenges have you faced in using poetry as a means of healing, both personally and in sharing it with others?       

I can honestly say self doubt. Growing up, I had never learned the power of self confidence and believing in my own unique self. There were friends and family members who made me feel like my opinions were not important, even made me feel invisible. I kind of internalized this feeling that my thoughts and opinions weren’t important when it was never true. 

It was only during the end of my college that all the suppressed thoughts and emotions came to the surface. It is around this time that I truly understood the value of self-confidence, acceptance, belief, and most importantly, respecting myself. 

However, I still doubt myself many times before sharing my poems. I want to meet people, perform on stage, become a successful spoken word artist but I am so scared of being seen and judged but I am not giving up on it. 

How does writing poetry help you navigate and manage your mental health?           

I think sometimes we allow outside experiences to hurt us and that’s okay. It’s only human and sometimes, there is nothing we can do about it.  However, we must find a way to feel and release stuck emotions, especially those hindering our growth. 

Poetry allows me to feel those emotions, find something positive in the experience, and create poetry out of it. In this way, I can let go of the bitterness or sadness and come back to the flow state. I still struggle with being a sensitive soul in a world that runs on ego, but I have promised myself to not give up on myself, even if my growth is slow. 

Can you discuss a particular poem or piece that holds special significance for you and why?

I think it’s a micro poem titled Rise Again which I had written while waiting for the sunrise on a hilltop. As the first rays of the sun touched my forehead, I had this sudden urge to pick up a pen and paper, and this is how this poem came to life. 

It goes like this - 

Swallow the sunlight 

and 

let its shine 

reek out of your skin 

tenderly 

dropping the hints 

of how strong your bones 

have become. 

This little poem won a poetry competition organised by the Tulsa Community of Writers and was showcased in Tulsa a few years back. It was also published in one of the issues of their literary magazine. 

How do you stay motivated and inspired to write and share your poetry?

I know if not millions, there is at least one person out there who waits for me to post a poem everyday or week, and that’s how I stay inspired. As long as even one person reads my poem, I’ll continue writing whatever little I know about emotions and the power of self love and a positive mind. 

What advice would you give to other women who want to use creative writing as a form of self-expression or healing?

Do not let self doubt or fear of being not enough stop you from pursuing writing. Also, people will tell you what is possible in life based on their beliefs and mindset. Please, set your own possibilities and understanding of what you can or cannot achieve. Trust me, as a woman, you can achieve anything you set your heart on. 

What has been the most rewarding aspect of sharing your poetry with others?

It’s an inbox full of love, appreciation, and blessings from those who read and support my work. I have every single message saved in a folder on my laptop. I am profoundly grateful for it all. 

How do you handle criticism or negative feedback about your work?

I only focus on writing what I feel at the moment. It has nothing to do with how others perceive it and everything to do with how honest I am with my work. However, I am always open to constructive criticism from my readers. 

How do you envision the future of Wingedpen and your poetry?                               

I plan to publish my debut collection soon. I also want to perform spoken word on stage for my readers. 

Can you share any personal experiences that have significantly influenced your writing and creative process?

I think it was my inner rebel that wanted to be successful as a poet since most people around me believe that art or poetry can’t take you far in life. Even my maths teacher once caught me writing poems in the class and claimed that poetry won’t take me anywhere. So, I will always work hard to reach my highest potential as a poet, slowly but surely. 

What role does community and connection play in your creative journey?

The biggest role that community and connection has played in my journey is to provide a sense of belonging. From someone who couldn’t fit in the crowd during her younger days, I finally got a sense of connection with my readers and fellow artists. I love connecting with my Wingedpen fam as we discuss art, ideas, and ways to promote community growth and connection. 

What message or impact do you hope your poetry has on your readers and the broader community?

I wish to heal more hearts than this cruel world will ever be able to break. I want to remind good and kind people to keep going because they deserve nothing but the best things in life. At the end of the day, I simply wish for everyone to feel good after reading my poems.

IG: @wingedpen

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In a world where stories hold the power to ignite change, Chigozie Mbadugha stands as a beacon of courage and advocacy through her powerful narratives. Her novella, Rude Awakening, and drama, I Should Have Been Enough, emerge from a deep well of personal and societal struggles, shedding light on entrenched gender inequalities and the silent battles faced by women in Southeast Nigeria. With a blend of profound empathy and unwavering resolve, Chigozie uses her writing to confront the harsh realities of gender discrimination, inheritance injustices, and the stigmatization of women. Her work is not just a reflection of her own experiences but a clarion call for awareness and reform, inspiring others to challenge the status quo and champion the cause of gender equality.

  1. What inspired you to write your novella "Rude Awakening" and your drama "I Should Have Been Enough"?

I wrote “Rude Awakening” because I was irked by the skewed female inheritance pattern in Southeast Nigeria in which custom prevents female children from inheriting property from their parents because they have been defined as a gender that must marry and leave their paternal homeland and therefore should be excluded. Even though the Supreme Court of Nigeria has corrected this anomaly through a landmark ruling, this practice is still entrenched in most Igbo societies today. I wrote “Rude Awakening” to create awareness and change the narrative. The maltreatment of widows is another theme I explored in “Rude Awakening.” In some families, when a man dies without writing a will (Africans have an aversion to planning for death and inheritance), the family swoops in and tries to dispossess the wife of property that she possibly worked hard to purchase jointly with her husband. These practices need to stop.

Nigerian and Africa are largely patriarchal societies and women are often blamed for what is not their fault, and they are expected to keep quiet and endure. “I Should Have Been Enough” was inspired by the stories of women whose marriages failed because there was male factor infertility and they chose to remain faithful to their vows and not seek pregnancy outside of their marriages. I wanted to remind people that there are many options available to childless couples such as adoption and fertility treatments. Marriage is for companionship mostly and their mutual love should be enough.

  1. Can you share your personal journey and experiences that led you to focus on gender discrimination and gender equality in your writing?

My journey has been pleasant, but I have interacted with too many women, in the course of my job as a doctor, who have experienced varying degrees of gender discrimination. I also have female relations who have been victims. The characters in my stories urge me to write on and I am shocked when women, who I did not know went through these experiences, reach out to me and say I was writing about them and that they felt a connection to the stories and that they are glad I spoke up for them.

  1. What challenges did you face in writing about such sensitive and critical issues within the context of South East Nigeria?

I remember attending a national literary conference in Nigeria some years ago. We were discussing “Rude Awakening.” A man stood up and said he was tired of hearing about gender issues in Nigeria. He wanted to know if I was ‘one of those feminists’ and if I was married. I told him that the stories I write about are not necessarily written because of feminism. They are stories of maltreatment and discrimination of a gender that MUST be told because a lot of times the actual victims have lost their voice and need someone else to tell their stories for them. I have chosen to be that voice. If the stories I am inspired to write take me in those directions, I am happy to go there. And yes, I am happily married to a lovely man who supports me greatly.

  1. How has writing about gender issues impacted your own understanding and perspective on these topics?

I find that because I am an African woman and I have written about these topics, a lot of women read my books and share their own stories with me. It has helped me understand better the challenges faced by women in deciding to walk away from dysfunctional relationships and starting afresh. I understand their fears of being isolated and abhorred by the community as ‘that woman who could not keep her home,’ and the strange fact that the failure of that marriage will be attributed to them only, even though there were two parties in the union. My perspective is that as a society we must look out for women and let them know they are welcome to return home if the marriage does not work out, and that there will always be support for them. Too many African women have stayed in violent marriages and paid for it with their lives. The perpetrators go unpunished most of the time and remarry quickly, sometimes within months after the death of their spouses. We can no longer allow this to keep happening. For every woman who is being physically abused, there are possibly four more who are experiencing verbal or psychological abuse and are not captured because there are no obvious physical wounds to bandage. The wounds in their hearts are deeper and take longer to heal and the infliction of these wounds must stop.

  1. What role has mental health played in your creative process, and how do you manage it while dealing with the intense subject matter of your work?

 I try not to be weighed down by the seriousness of the themes I explore. It is easy to slip into depression or to get bitter when handling intense subject matters like these. I write these intense emotional stories without being downcast for long because I am writing them like an ‘innocent bystander’ and because I feel drawn to write about the challenges faced by my African ‘sisters’.  Keeping these emotions inside is unhealthy. Pouring them out on paper is cathartic and therapeutic for me.

  1. Can you describe any significant moments or feedback you’ve received about your books that have affected you deeply?

Some colleagues and patients who have read my books identified with them. They looked me in the eye and thanked me for sharing their stories even though I did not know they had had similar experiences. Those were surreal moments for me and they encouraged me to keep writing.

  1. How do you address the potential backlash or criticism that comes with tackling gender discrimination and societal issues in your writing?

I simply ignore backlash or criticism and walk away. Everyone knows at least one woman who has at one time or another faced what I write about. It is too common and we cannot continue to pretend these things are not happening. As Martin Luther King said ‘Evil persists when good men do nothing.’ I will not keep quiet.

  1. What strategies do you use to ensure that your voice remains authentic and impactful in your work?

I try to write from my heart and not copy the way other amazing African authors write. We can write about the same theme and our stories will be different, and indeed, they should be different because our voices, perspectives, and styles are unique. I just try to be me. I don’t want people to read my books and start looking for dictionaries to look up words too often. I write simply so that everyone can understand my message.

  1. What has been the impact of having your book "Rude Awakening" selected by the UN SDG Book Club on your writing career?

The selection of “Rude Awakening” by the UN SDG Book Club boosted my confidence and writing career greatly. I felt fulfilled and encouraged that my voice was being heard. I sold more copies of my books and I was invited to more speaker events to discuss my work. My book 'Beyond the Trial' which contains the novella ‘Rude Awakening’ was selected to be printed by CANON at the largest worldwide tradeshow for the Graphic Arts and Commercial Printing Industry (DRUPA) from May 28 – June 7, 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany. That was a lovely recognition I received because "Rude Awakening" was selected by the UN SDG Book Club.

  1. How do you balance the emotional weight of writing about women's struggles with your own well-being?

I encourage myself by acknowledging that I am contributing to changing the narrative by writing about these topics. I am confident that with concerted efforts by human rights groups engaged in gender discrimination issues and political will, these struggles will be won.

  1. What advice would you give to women writers who want to address social issues in their work but are concerned about potential criticism or challenges?

They should not be afraid of the backlash and challenges. One can never please everybody and the law is there to protect us. They are serving a universal goal by speaking up and the more they write courageously, they will inspire other authors to write too. There can never be too many voices.

12. How do you think storytelling can influence and drive change in societal attitudes towards gender equality?

Storytelling can influence and drive change in societal attitudes towards gender equality by challenging existing stereotypes by presenting diverse and complex characters. When people see narratives that break away from traditional gender roles, it can shift their perceptions and expectations. Through storytelling, individuals can experience the world from different perspectives. This can foster empathy and understanding and make it easier for people to relate to and support gender equality. Stories can bring attention to the inequities and challenges faced by different genders, raise awareness and inspire action to address them. Positive representation of strong, diverse characters in stories can provide role models for all genders. Over time, the accumulation of diverse and inclusive stories can lead to broader cultural shifts and reshape societal norms and values towards greater gender equality.

  1. What are your future goals for your writing and advocacy work in the realm of gender issues?

My future goals for writing and advocacy in the realm of gender issues include highlighting and supporting the stories and perspectives of individuals who have experienced gender inequality, and advocating for legal and policy reforms that protect and empower African women. Building and nurturing communities where people can share their experiences, find support, and collaborate on advocacy efforts is a goal that I have. Collaboration can help reach a wider audience and bring about more significant change so I intend to partner with organizations, activists, and influencers to amplify the impact of advocacy efforts.

14. Can you share any personal stories of women whose experiences have inspired or influenced your writing

My late cousin, Chidinma, lost her husband after about five years of marriage. His family packed her belongings out of the room she shared with her husband and bid her farewell. For her, it signalled a rejection of her and her child. She felt like an outcast and it broke her heart because she longed for a relationship between her daughter and her husband’s family. That incident was a ‘Rude Awakening’ for her. I wonder if she would have been treated differently if her child had been male. Her experience and those of millions of African women inspire my writing.

  1. How do you envision the current narrative around gender roles and discrimination evolving, and what role do you hope to play in that evolution?

The narrative around gender roles and discrimination in Africa is evolving rapidly, influenced by increased awareness, activism, and shifts in societal norms. The portrayal of gender inequality in stories and media is improving, helping to shape public perceptions and fostering change and equity. There have been significant strides in legal protections and rights for gender-based discrimination and violence in Nigeria. These changes are essential for ensuring equality and combating discrimination. I aim to support this evolution by continuing to write stories that promote gender equality, raising awareness, and promoting understanding and social justice.

In her profound and illuminating book Royalty, Juaquina Carter delves into the essence of self-discovery and personal evolution. Through her poetry, she captures a transformative period in her life where understanding her identity became pivotal. Juaquina's journey is a testament to how recognizing one's true self can redefine our presence and impact in the world. Her experiences with mental health and spirituality infuse her writing with raw honesty and a deep sense of healing. In this interview, Juaquina shares the inspiration behind Royalty, the role of identity in her healing process, and the messages she hopes readers will embrace. Her insights offer a powerful reminder of the grace and authenticity that come from truly knowing and expressing oneself.

  1. What inspired you to write your book "Royalty"?

    The thing that inspires me to write all of my poetry, life or some extension of it. Royalty specifically captured a moment of transition for me. It was a season in my life in which I saw the importance of knowing my identity, because it impacts how I show up in the world. If I know who I am, I can show up differently, as royalty. 



    Can you share how your personal experiences with mental health influenced the themes in your book?
  2. My journey and experiences with my mental health had a direct influence over the book. In fact, what I love so much about my second book, Royalty, is that you can see how my mental health slowly progressed from beginning to end. 

    How has your spiritual journey shaped the way you approach writing and storytelling?
  3. I love this question, because my spiritual journey has shaped my entire life and how I interact with the world around me. Because writing and creating in general is a part of my spiritual practice, I try to approach it with extreme honesty and transparency from the perspective of love. So I might talk about hard situations I have experienced with others very candidly, but never from a place of malice or hate. It is always from the intention of love and healing, which starts with telling the truth. 

    What does the concept of "identity" mean to you, and how did it become a central theme in your healing journey?
  4. The concept of identity is something within us that cannot be changed or diminished in any way. In every season, we are who we are, even if the expression of it is fluid.  It became a central theme in my healing journey once I realized how much in the world lies to us about who we are. For example, marketing companies will try to label people certain things in order to influence them to engage with whatever they would like to sell. With this in mind, if I know who I am and I hold onto that truth, it will determine what I engage with and the path I walk. On the other hand, if I believe lies about who I am or simply do not know my identity, I will engage with things that don't really align and will most likely have detrimental consequences. 

  5. What message do you hope readers will take away from your story?

    I hope that readers will take away a few things. I hope through reading my journey navigating a difficult season of life, it will encourage them to lean into their own spirituality (whatever that looks like for them). I also hope they will be reminded of the concept of grace. It is so important to show ourselves grace as we try to navigate a very difficult and complex existence. Lastly, I hope they will take time to discover and/or remember who they are. 
  6. What steps would you recommend to other women who are looking to explore their identity as part of their healing process?

    There are so many different steps and paths to take when exploring your identity as apart of your healing journey. So, my first piece of advice is to follow your own intuition and know that your path will not look like anyone else's. Some other practical steps could be therapy (if it is accessible to you), spending a lot of time in nature, embracing a lot of alone time, returning to the way you played as a child, developing a mindfulness practice such as journaling, breathwork, or meditation, and connecting with a safe community. 

IG for business: https://www.instagram.com/edenlilithapothecary/
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Cat Speranzini’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to mental health. After navigating a toxic relationship and her own mental health struggles, she found solace and healing in poetry. This art form became her therapy, and through it, she not only healed herself but built a community of writers. As the founder of Grey Coven Publishing, Cat is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for marginalized voices. Her story is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the strength that comes from turning pain into purpose, both on the page and in the publishing world.

  1. What inspired you to write Calm in the Dark: A Collection of Poetry and focus on mental health and trauma?

I was inspired to write a book addressing mental health and trauma after undergoing a traumatic relationship shortly after my divorce. I have BPD and tend to define myself by my relationships, so when my marriage ended, I instinctively jumped into the first relationship that came along. Unfortunately, that relationship was a toxic one. My poetry is my own personal therapy and it’s meant to be therapy for others as well. Mental health is paramount for those of us who feel deeply and in this day and age, too many people neglect the necessary process of healing.

  1. Can you share how poetry has served as a tool for managing mental health challenges in your own life?

Poetry is my greatest tool for managing mental health challenges. Reciting poetry out loud has been proven to reduce anxiety. I read my own poetry at a local open mic and I have found this to be true. As for writing poetry: when I’m at my worst, I open my notes app and begin to write. Half of the poems I start don’t see the light of day. But, I don’t think I would be here today without writing poetry. There’s something so therapeutic about getting emotions out of your head and placing them on paper. The poems I do post have connected me with the most amazing community of people.

  1. What motivated you to start Grey Coven Publishing, and how does it align with your personal mission?

I was motivated to start Grey Coven Publishing after receiving a rejection from a traditional publisher. My goal was to create a space for marginalized voices. Specifically, marginalized voices using Instagram as their main platform. Traditional publishers aren’t equipped to deal with the age of social media. So many poets share their new poems online before submitting them to publications. At Grey Coven, we consider poems posted to your personal pages. In our first anthology, we have mostly women-identifying contributors. We publish poets regardless of race, disability, or orientation. We love diversity and unique takes on experiences. Our hope is that we can create a safe and inclusive space.

  1. What are some strategies you’ve found effective in funding your anthologies while keeping costs manageable for contributors?

Our first anthology was entirely funded by myself and my co-editor, Matt Pasquarello. We didn’t charge a reading fee and we are shipping a physical copy of our anthology to each contributor. For the upcoming anthologies, we will be offering “tip jar” submissions to help recoup the costs of our first issue. Tip Jar submissions are submissions that include an optional donation to Grey Coven Publishing. We, of course, do not base any decisions off whether someone has tipped. Additionally, we will be offering free ebook copies and offering 15% off physical copies to all future contributors. Our first anthology, and upcoming anthologies, will be available to the public for $15. The net profit from our anthologies is invested back into our company to promote our contributors.

  1. How do you balance your roles as both an author and a publisher, and what are some key lessons you’ve learned from each?

I balance my role as an author and publisher by building and fostering a community. As an author, connecting with fellow poets has been integral for reviews and sales. Fellow poets provide the most insightful and helpful reviews. As a publisher, I would be lost without my editor and volunteer readers. For both: community is key. Our first anthology wouldn’t have been possible without our readers: Timothy Imbriglio-Roy and Mia Pantano. We’re taking applications for volunteer readers for future anthologies. I am very excited to see the community we can create with our volunteers and contributors.

  1. Can you discuss a moment or experience that deeply impacted your journey in poetry and publishing?

A moment that deeply impacted my journey in poetry was coming across a quote by poet Kristina Mahr on social media. I deeply connected with her words and that was the moment I decided to join the Instagram poetry community. In my publishing journey, I came across Melissa Combs the owner of Octave Eight Publishing. Melissa built her poetry and publishing career using social media. She was a huge inspiration when I decided to start Grey Coven Publishing. I strongly believe in women empowering women and Melissa Combs is the queen of lifting other women up.

  1. What challenges have you faced in supporting and giving a platform to disabled and marginalized poets through Grey Coven Publishing?

So far, we haven’t faced any challenges in supporting disabled and marginalized poets. We are a very new company, but if anything, disabled and marginalized voices have provided us with some of the best contributions. We are thoroughly committed to celebrating these voices and we’re confident that their poetry will change lives.

  1. How do you ensure that the voices of contributors are authentically represented and valued in your anthologies?

We ensure the voices of our contributors are authentically represented and valued by listening to their unique voices. Once we accept someone into our anthology, we work with the contributor every step of the way in the editing process. Nothing is published without the contributor’s go ahead. We also include bios at the end of the anthology that the contributor writes themselves. They are able to highlight their individuality and accomplishments within these bios.

  1. How do you maintain your own mental health while managing the responsibilities of running a publishing company?

I maintain my own mental health by allowing myself grace. I set deadlines and do my best to meet them, but if for some reason things get derailed, we go with the flow. Not everything is a controllable variable. As someone with anxiety, I constantly feel pressure to have everything planned down to the minute. But I have found balancing a set schedule with days off to be beneficial. I also delegate responsibilities to my staff. The staff of Grey Coven have been a fantastic community. Every single person on our staff deals with mental health struggles, so we all have empathy for one another.

  1. What advice would you give to other women who want to use creative outlets like poetry to address personal struggles?

My advice to women who want to use a creative outlet, specifically poetry, to address personal struggles is not to hold back. Poetry is good when it’s authentic. You don’t necessarily need to use structure and rhyme schemes to create a worthwhile piece. As long as you are speaking your truth, your words will help someone. So, don’t be afraid to tell the truth. And don’t be afraid to share your truth. Someone out there needs to hear it.

  1. What future projects or goals are you excited about for your publishing company and your own writing?

I am excited for Grey Coven Publishing to accepting full length poetry collections in September. We are also opening submissions for the second anthology September 1st. In my personal writing journey, I am currently working on my third poetry collection expected to release at some point in 2025. We send out a newsletter once a month if you would like to stay updated on our future endeavors: www.greycovenpublishing.com

My Instagram: @catsperanzini.poetry

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My Website: catsperanzini.com
Grey Coven Website: greycovenpublishing.com
Grey Coven Instagram: @greycovenpublishing

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Holly Maree’s journey from trauma to triumph is nothing short of inspiring. Overcoming deep-seated childhood trauma, Holly has navigated a path marked by resilience, personal growth, and healing. Her story is one of not just surviving, but thriving—transforming pain into power. Despite experiencing severe abuse and life-threatening business challenges, she has emerged stronger, using her experiences as a foundation for her success in business and life. Holly’s insight into human potential and the healing process offers a beacon of hope to anyone seeking to break free from cycles of trauma and find true alignment.

Can you elaborate on how your childhood trauma influenced your business experiences and decisions?

Childhood trauma is almost always complex trauma, because it is most often relational. When the trauma you experienced was at the hands of a parent or another immediate family member, the depth of damage from that complex trauma skyrockets, but in a cruel twist, also leaves people in a social position where no help and resources are available. Childhood trauma is the most unresolved, unacknowledged, unsupported areas of trauma. I am no exception to that. I spent decades knowing that I was deeply traumatised. I had been sexually abused by my older brother from the ages of 8 to 21, I had been regularly physically abused by my father, and had been in a co-dependant, emotionally abusive relationship with my mother because I needed her to survive. It was not news to me that I was traumatised, and when I was diagnosed with Complex PTSD at 19 years old, I simply nodded in acknowledgement of such a blatantly obvious truth. But knowing that I was traumatised did nothing to stop the impact of that trauma on my life. Like most complex trauma sufferers, I was an overachiever. I excelled academically, I was highly sought after in every professional field I entered, I had an extensive social network and from the outside, an apparently successful life. But trauma was certainly at the helm of my decision making and in the quiet moments when I could no longer sustain my hypervigilance, hyper independence and anxiety, I was certainly suffering under the crushing weight of my trauma. 

To most people, when I decided to leave my business consultancy firm and buy my own big business, it looked like success. It looked like an excellent decision. I was achieving, hustling, and doing big things with my life. But I internally knew exactly how bad that decision was, and I knew it was being driven by my trauma-need to be loved and accepted after a lifetime of abandonment. I bought a business out of bankruptcy and got myself involved with investors and previous owners who had obviously terrible agendas. I thought I could push through it all. And on the outside, I did. Within the first year I turned that bankrupt business into a $1 million turnover, hitting $2.25 million annual turnover by the second year. I supported 50 staff, expanded the business from hospitality into additional retail and events. I even collaborated with charities and built a magnetic media presence for the business. But inside of that, I was suffering immensely. I was having panic attacks, not sleeping, working 100 hours a week and trying to prop up a business with so many debts that despite the millions in income, it was being bled dry, with me along with it. By the end of the first year, I had investors who were physically threatening my life and bringing a constant barrage of abuse. I was recreating the trauma of my childhood and living it in real time as an adult.

What were some of the specific challenges you faced when your business collapsed, and how did they mirror your past trauma?

Like all things built on trauma, the business eventually started to collapse. Really, I was the one who collapsed and the business followed suit. I developed a stress-induced heart condition that worsened until I was going into cardiac arrest and losing consciousness 15 times a day. It was not responding to any treatment and it became clear that I either needed to leave the business or die. I also became suicidal and spent months terrified that my body would die, or I would kill it. The only option was to walk away from the business and hand back everything I had created. To do that, I needed to effectively cut my own arm off. I took on $180k of debt from the previous owners, handed the $2 million dollar business and its stock to the investors, and got out before it took my life. The shame of having been a "failure" in business was immense. My self abandonment and people pleasing tendencies (all aspects of my trauma patterns) became overwhelming and utterly toxic. I buried myself in lining up jobs for my 50 staff to go to, without finding employment or money for myself. I sank into a deep depression and sense of hopelessness that I hadn't experienced since my sexual abuse had begun when I was a child. That business was a complete, crisp, harrowing mirror of the abuse I had experienced through childhood. From physical violence to emotional abuse, from fighting to survive to disacciating, from aligning myself with destructive people and believing I could still succeed to keeping all of the abuse and stress a secret - all of it was my trauma playing out on a fresh new stage.

How did you navigate the transition from business failure to personal healing and recovery?

Although I would never want to repeat a business failure like that again, for me it was the catalyst I needed to begin healing myself. I simply had no other choice but to heal. I had nothing left physically, emotionally or even financially. I was absolutely broken. I began with journaling once a day to try to quieten the voice in my head. I found that what came out of me was pain mixed with such self-love, that I began to wonder if there was more that I could be doing for myself. Certainly what I had been doing for 30 years wasn't working. I moved from there into daily meditation, calming my body until I could sit for 45 minutes without having a panic attack. From there, it all opened up. I threw myself into personal development and discovering what spirituality and healing really meant to me. I didn't have a plan for what I was doing, but looking back I see that I was really just following my own intuition as it guided me through healing myself. 

Can you describe a pivotal moment in your journey that helped you realize the need to focus on spiritual growth?

Like most people after a huge business failure, I needed to get a job. I had $180k of debt to pay off, a house mortgage that the bank was about to foreclose on, and huge medical bills. So I went back to work and found quickly that I was repeating the identical trauma patterns again. My first job after the business collapse lasted 5 months, and it was with an emotionally abusive boss. I worked 90 hours a week, was constantly pushed to do more, and lived in a state of anxiety-filled coercive control. I quit, took a breath, and moved into another job with far less responsibility. I thought that I could hide out in a less stressful environment, but within 4 months my boss attempted to sexually assault me. It was a moment of reclamation for me to go through the process of reporting and charging him, something I hadn't been able to do as a child. Leaving that job was a door closing moment for me. I couldn't be in a work environment, and I didn't feel strong enough to create another big business, so I started a blog in the hope that I could hide my face away and still build a successful online business from it. It didn't take me long to realise that what I was resisting was spiritual growth. Sitting down to work on that blog (it was about vintage clothing, of all things!) I could feel the stories of my own spiritual journey screaming to come out. It was up to me to take the risk to publicly build a 

In what ways did your approach to success change after your business collapse, and why?

One of the most unexpected parts of having a hugely successful business was that it illuminated to me how much it didn't feel like success at all. I hit all the milestones of conventional success - I had millions of dollars, a prominent business, was the face of a brand and was definitely achieving success by all the measures I'd been taught. And yet I hated it. I detested it, in fact. It didn't feel successful to me at all, but rather it felt like torture. As though I had sold my soul for a success that didn't even feel good. It completely reshaped my view of what success actually is. Even when I began succeeding in the online space as a coach, I found myself repeating the same patterns. Doing all the success things, getting the money, becoming a popular brand - and I felt empty. I didn't connect to the success at all. So I took the leap to shut my business completely. I closed off my programs, refunded clients and archived my business for a whole year, even though I had just reached the income status that most entrepreneurs dream of. I was sick of repeating the same cycles. I definitely knew how to succeed in business by that point, but I wanted to learn how to succeed within myself in a way that felt peaceful and aligned. I wanted my success to feel like success. That's really where Human Design entered my life, alongside a deep period of healing the wounds and traumas I had around needing to be a high achiever, and needing to do things the way I was taught to.

How did you discover and embrace Human Design, and how has it impacted your personal and professional life?

Human Design came into my life in 2018, but I resisted it almost entirely for 2 years. I had already learned so much from other spiritual and esoteric systems and I felt like Human Design would just be another set of acronyms that didn't mean much. Kind of like, "What's your Sun, Moon and Rising signs?" or "What is your life path number?" Any system can be helpful for self awareness but I wasn't looking to add more to my knowledge bank. But it continued to come back into my space over and over, from various people, until I eventually threw my hands up in the air (literally!) and told the Universe that if it really wanted me in Human Design, I would do it. From that moment, I opened myself up to what it could teach me, and this system revolutionised my whole world. Learning that I'm a Manifestor energy type completely represented my entire life experience. From being deeply creative, to needing long periods of rest, to struggling with consistency, to being angry and even to being repelling to other people. Human Design, on many levels, unlocked parts of me that were in need of healing, but also in need of reclamation. It gave me permission to be myself in a way that no other language ever had. Throughout my business shutdown in 2020, I certified in Human Design (and Gene Keys, which is a counterpart to Human Design) and completely devoted myself to whatever it would teach me. At the end of that year, after 8 months of deep rest and healing, I came out and created the million dollar business I have now, which is a community of Human Design teaching dedicated entirely to Manifestors. It was the first time someone had taken a single energy type and built a business off it, but four years down the track, there are now communities available for all energy types. It's so beautiful to see. I don't believe Human Design, or any system, is the one true way. I believe there is so much experience and healing beyond Human Design, but I can't deny that it is a powerful language for accessing yourself on deeper layers and coming into alignment with who you truly are in ways that genuinely change the world.

What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck in a cycle of trauma and failure?

Unfortunately what gets overlooked in trauma is that we need a complex toolkit to address it. In medical science (like psychology), the focus is on recovering from the injury trauma leaves. Trauma is an injury to the brain and the nervous system which needs treatment in order to recover. Without treating that (the dysregulation in your nervous system and the incorrectly formed neural pathways in your brain), you don't get anywhere. You just keep looping in trauma patterns like I did, because that is literally what your brain is directing you to do. But when you enter spiritual/personal development spaces, the focus is on healing the trauma by looking at it as a spiritual and emotional experience only. This overlooks the physical injury. In truth, recovery is only half the journey, and healing doesn't occur without recovery first. So both medical science and spirituality need to work together in your trauma healing. When you feel stuck, it is because you are stuck. There are ways out, but it won't take care of itself. 

What have been some of the most rewarding aspects of your journey from trauma to success?

I could list a lot of the success milestones and accolades. Things like money and status and how many people follow me, and even how often I speak on global platforms. But to me, all of that is just the daily work. The most rewarding part has been in seeing how my relationship to myself and the people around me have changed. Being free from daily trauma triggers has been a massive reward. Being able to regulate my own body and mind when trauma resurfaces. Even being able to publicly tell my trauma story is huge. The most rewarding part of going from being that traumatised, sexually and physically abused, emotionally destroyed little girl (even in going from being the abused business owner I previously was) is that I now feel so much freedom from it. I've been able to make my trauma my medicine, as well as a medicine for others. 

How do you maintain balance and well-being while managing a successful business?

I'm careful and attentive to my energy every single day. It's a lifetime devotion. I have to look after my physical body so much, because my trauma was so extensive that my brain and nervous system will always be a little bit more sensitive than most people are. So I eat well, I exercise every day and I make sure I get good sleep. Beyond that, I rest and play far more than I work. I have set up systems of people and platforms around me that help me share the load of the work I do. It would seem like this gets easier to do when you have more money in business, but the opposite is true. The more financial success you get, the more pressure there is to keep it up at that level, even going higher, consistently. So I take a lot of breaks for holidays and days for total disconnection from the world. It keeps me connected to my own energy rather than getting caught up in the expectations and pressures from other people. I recognise that I'm not a machine, I'm a healer and a creator, and those parts of me need to be looked after. 

What message would you like to convey to women who are currently facing significant personal or professional challenges?

It's all happening for a reason. The philosophy of Eckhart Tolle, that everything is happening FOR you, not TO you, is undeniably true. This challenge you are experiencing, even this trauma that you are struggling to heal, isn't here to make you suffer. It is here to prompt you to heal. You can heal. It is possible for you. There is more to life than challenges and pain and roadblocks. Often, we give up too soon and chalk it up to failure. I've experienced major failure in a very public way, and while I don't feel the need to repeat it, I also know it was a very powerful catalyst for me. Without it, I would still be floundering in a dissatisfied life and wondering when my life is really going to start. Take the challenge as the invitation to the healing and the medicine. 


How do you envision using your experiences and expertise to support and inspire others in the future?

While the last four years have been all about building The Manifestor Community, it now feels like I have achieved that and there is space for a new vision to come through. The Manifestor Community is thriving with tens of thousands of people, a recognisable name in the Human Design space, and a secure high 6-figure income. So my focus has turned to what I can create in the world that helps people to truly heal from trauma. Long term I see a collaborative treatment center where people with trauma can come and access the whole range of recovery and healing tools from psychology to therapy to somatic healing and spiritual modalities (like breathwork, sound healing, light therapy, channeling, etc). I want to create spaces that converge the gap between trauma recovery and trauma healing, so that true healing is actually possible. We are living in an age where trauma is our greatest pandemic, yet we are still so unaware of its impact on an individual and collective level. I mean to meet that with spaces that offer answers. It might take me a while, but lucky I know how to make businesses that succeed! So I'm already on my way, starting small, and watching it gain momentum.

IG: @themanifestorcommunity and @beingmewithcptsd

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W: www.themanifestorcommunity.com

Meet Chigozie Mbadugha, a trailblazer whose journey from rural Australia to the bustling creative hub of southeast Queensland is nothing short of inspiring. After balancing the rigors of Year 12 exams with the demands of modeling, Chigozie made a daring move to pursue her dreams of becoming a creative entrepreneur. Her experiences navigating the challenges of content creation and battling burnout led her to create Urflo—a platform designed to revolutionize how creatives manage their brand collaborations. Through Urflo, Chigozie is not only simplifying the administrative side of creativity but also fostering a supportive community where like-minded individuals can connect and thrive. Join us as we dive into her incredible story, explore the impact of Urflo, and discover how Chigozie's passion for community and innovation is transforming the creative landscape.

1. Can you tell us about your journey from rural Australia to starting Urflo? What inspired you to make such a significant move?

In my final years of high school, I started modelling, balancing Year 12 exams with driving four hours each way to get to photoshoots. It was tough, but I knew that if I wanted to make my dream of becoming a creative happen, this was the way to do it. Growing up in rural Australia gave me a drive and a perspective that if you want something, you have to work for it. The long hours on the road gave me time to think, and that’s where I dreamed of a future where I was my own boss. Unfortunately, in Australia, much of the creative work is based on the east coast, so I realised I needed to make a big move to make my dream a reality. The day after I graduated, I packed up my childhood room and moved to the city in southeast Queensland. During that transition, I often felt like I was ten steps behind other creatives who had been in the city building connections for years. Moving made me realise how important having a creative community is—to have people who are advocating for you in rooms where you’re not and helping you secure consistent work. This was one of the inspirations behind Urflo, not only to create a tool that reduces the stress of the admin side of being a creative (something I was not prepared for and had to learn the hard way) but also to help creatives build a community of like-minded people, something I realised I needed in pursuit of my creative dreams.

2. How did your experiences with burnout and the administrative side of content creation shape the development of Urflo?

When I first started out as a creative, I had to learn a whole new skill set. There’s so much in this industry that you can only learn by being in the thick of it and through a lot of trial and error. Especially when it comes to being a content creator, there are so many nuances in the process of collaborating with brands that can either make things harder or lead to missed opportunities. A few years into my content creation journey, I was struggling massively with burnout. Ideas weren’t flowing, my work felt stagnant, and I was finding it difficult to keep up with managing my collabs. What had once felt like a freeing creative outlet was slowly becoming something I dreaded. Despite securing some incredible collabs, I was seriously considering leaving the industry altogether. I decided to take a hiatus for a few months to regroup, realign, and reconsider. During that hiatus, I spoke with my creative friends and realised I wasn’t alone in struggling with the admin side of content creation. I was recommended a ton of different organisational tools that were supposedly designed for content creators, but they were all so rigid and didn’t adapt to the way I collaborated with brands—a process I had refined over the years to suit me. Not to mention, these tools weren’t even created by content creators, which felt like a slap in the face. So, one day, fed up with the industry-standard solutions, I set out to create something that would not only support myself but every other creative.

3. Urflo was created to support content creators with brand collaborations. How do you envision it transforming the way creators manage their work?

What I love most about the creative community is that every creator has a unique way of working with brands. No two are the same, and the tools they use should reflect that. I envision Urflo as a content creator’s creative best friend, there to support them in doing what they do best day to day, but in a way that is flexible to their needs and creative process. Right now, the status quo involves sifting through endless email threads, uploading content through various software platforms, sharing links, forms, and so much more. Urflo will help content creators manage their collabs from start to finish in one place. It offers a simple way to stay organised, know exactly what needs to be done each day, track the progress of each collab, collaborate on briefs and script generation, upload content, receive clear and actionable feedback, and, of course, handle payments. So much time that could be spent creating is currently wasted on the inefficient ways we collaborate. Urflo is here to change that, freeing up time for creators to focus on what they truly love—creating.

4. You mentioned the importance of a creative community during your hiatus. How does Urflo foster a sense of community among its users?

At Urflo, creators are at the heart of what we do! We've been sharing the whole build process on Instagram and even specific designs with our waitlisted users. This was so important to me because the creators are who we’re building Urflo for! Within Urflo, we also have our podcast, Friends in Flo, which uplifts the voices of creatives within the community. I ask them about their journey, advice, and tips for other creatives as well. It’s all about having real talk and sharing those industry insights that you just wouldn’t get unless you’ve been through the thick of it. Alongside that, we host in-person meetups, and an official event is on the horizon too! This provides a space for Urflo community members to connect in real life, expand their friendships with like-minded people, and build that support network that is so important as a creative. I truly believe that we have so much to learn from each other, and Urflo is a platform where I can support creators in doing that while staying organised!

5. Balancing professional responsibilities with personal interests can be challenging. How do you manage your time between running Urflo and pursuing your passion for psychology and research?

Managing my time between Urflo and my studies has been a challenge. I think, in general, as young adults, it can feel like we’re meant to just do one thing and stick to it, but I seem to be pulled in so many directions because, well, I love them both so much! I am so passionate about Urflo and how it’s helping the creative community that I feel like I live and breathe it every day. Being so passionate about something can be all-consuming, but I am also equally passionate about my studies and pursuing further research. For me, I have to live my life by my calendar and really set aside time blocks for focusing on Urflo and then my studies. This allows me to be all in on whatever I need to focus on and stay laser-focused on my long-term strategic goals.

6. Can you share any specific struggles or obstacles you faced while building Urflo and how you overcame them?

Imposter syndrome is something I am quite open about experiencing, and it's been one of the biggest challenges I've faced while building Urflo. As a young female founder in the tech space, there are moments when I find myself questioning if I’m really meant to be doing this, if I deserve to be in the rooms I’m entering and the fear that people might not take me seriously. In those moments, I remind myself of the dreams I had as a little girl. I always envisioned myself as a leader—whether it was as a marine biologist, a lawyer, or a psychologist. I believed wholeheartedly that I could make any of those dreams a reality. Little me was fearless, with an unwavering drive and not a drop of doubt in her abilities to bring her dreams to life. So, whenever I feel that wave of self-doubt creeping in, I try to channel that version of myself—the one who believed that anything was possible.

It’s also been incredibly important for me to surround myself with a supportive community. I’ve leaned on mentors, friends, and fellow creators who understand the ups and downs of this journey. Their encouragement and belief in me have been invaluable. I’ve also learned to celebrate the small wins and acknowledge my progress, no matter how minor it may seem. Building Urflo has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life, and it’s taught me so much about resilience, self-belief, and the importance of staying true to my vision.

7. How do you prioritize your mental health and well-being amidst the demands of running a startup and staying engaged with your personal interests?

Running a startup, especially in the early days, is incredibly challenging, and prioritizing my well-being has become a non-negotiable for me. As we are a small team, I know that if I don’t show up fully for Urflo, it’s not just the company that suffers, but also our users who rely on us. That’s why I make it a point to set aside time for myself, even when it feels difficult to step away from the endless to-do list. One day a week, usually on a Sunday, I try to disconnect from work and spend quality time with my friends or engage in activities that bring me joy. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking you can’t afford to switch off, especially when you’re wearing all the hats, and it feels like there’s always something urgent that needs attention. But through my experiences as a creative and my studies in psychology, I’ve learned that downtime is crucial. It’s during these moments of rest that our brains have the space to foster creativity and process new information. While it might feel counterintuitive, taking time off actually makes you more efficient and creative in the long run. I’ve embraced the mantra, “It’s okay to have a day off—your best ideas may be waiting for you there.” This reminder helps me give myself permission to rest, knowing that by doing so, I’m investing in my ability to lead Urflo and continue pursuing my passions effectively.

8. What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your work with Urflo?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work with Urflo is the deep connection I’ve been able to build with our community. As a creator myself, I’ve always felt that the creative journey can be isolating at times, filled with unique challenges that not everyone understands. But through Urflo, I’ve found a way to turn my personal experiences into something that can uplift and support others. Every time a creator reaches out to share their own story, ask for advice, or simply to say, “I’ve been through this too,” it reaffirms why I started Urflo in the first place. There’s an incredible sense of fulfillment in knowing that I’ve helped to create a space where people feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether it’s through a podcast episode, an in-person meet-up, or a simple interaction online, these moments of connection are what fuel me. It’s not just about providing tools and resources; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging. I believe that the creative process is deeply personal, and it’s important to have a community where you can share your highs and lows, your successes and your struggles, without fear of judgment. That’s what Urflo aims to provide—a safe space where creators can come together to learn from each other, lift each other up, and grow both personally and professionally.

9. In what ways does Urflo support the mental health of content creators and creatives?

At its core, Urflo was created to alleviate the mental load that often comes with being a content creator. We all know that behind the scenes, there’s a mountain of administrative tasks that can quickly become daunting, overwhelming, and time-consuming. Many creators step into this world to live out their passions, to create, to share their unique voice with the world—but they often find themselves bogged down by the back-end work that comes with it. Urflo is here to take that weight off their shoulders, to help streamline those tasks so that creators can focus on what they love without getting lost in the stress of managing it all. Beyond just organization, Urflo is about creating a space where mental health is prioritized. We’re not just helping with the workload—we’re helping creators maintain their passion, their drive, and their well-being by giving them the tools to manage their careers more effectively. Whether it's through our platform features or our community support, Urflo is dedicated to fostering an environment where creators can thrive both creatively and mentally

10. How do you handle setbacks or moments of self-doubt in your professional journey?

Setbacks and self-doubt are inevitable, especially in the world of entrepreneurship. For me, it’s been a journey of learning to embrace those moments rather than shy away from them. I think it’s so important to recognize that self-doubt doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path—it just means you’re pushing boundaries and challenging yourself to grow. When I face those moments, I always go back to my “why.” I remind myself of the vision behind Urflo and the impact it’s meant to have on the creative community. I’ve also learned to lean on my support system during these times. Whether it’s talking things through with my team, getting advice from mentors, or simply taking a step back to gain perspective, I’ve found that these moments of reflection can actually become turning points. They force me to re-evaluate, adapt, and ultimately come back stronger. And of course, I always keep that little girl version of myself in mind—the one who dreamed fearlessly and believed anything was possible. She keeps me grounded and gives me the courage to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.

11. What advice would you give to other women who are aspiring to start their own creative projects or businesses?

My biggest piece of advice to any woman looking to start her own creative project or business is to trust in her vision. The world needs more women who are unapologetically pursuing their passions and bringing their ideas to life. It’s so easy to get caught up in what others might think or in the fear of failure, but the truth is, no one else has your unique perspective or your exact vision. Your unique selling point and point of difference IS your story. People want to connect with real people, so infusing you into everything in your business: whether it’s face to camera videos on you social media, sharing your founder story, sharing your drive behind your business, that is what will set you apart.

I’d also say, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s this misconception that being an entrepreneur means doing it all on your own, but that’s far from the truth. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, who lift you up, and who are willing to share their knowledge and experience. Collaboration is key, and there’s so much power in community.

12. How do you stay motivated and inspired during challenging times?

Staying motivated during challenging times can be tough, but for me, it always comes back to my purpose. I’m deeply passionate about what I’m building with Urflo, and that passion is what fuels me, even when things get tough. I also find motivation in the people around me—my team, our community, and the creators we’re supporting. Hearing their stories, seeing the impact urflo has on their lives, and knowing that we’re making a difference keeps me going.

Inspiration, for me, often comes from stepping away from work. I find that when I allow myself some space to do what I love — whether it’s through spending time bird watching, diving into a good book, or going to Yin yoga — I’m able to return to my work with a fresh perspective and renewed energy. I also make a point to stay curious and keep learning. Whether it’s exploring new ideas in my studies or experimenting with a new social media content style in Urflo, staying engaged with the world around me helps keep that spark alive.

13. Can you share any memorable feedback or success stories from Urflo users that particularly touched or motivated you?

I recently launched a freebie to help creators pitch to brands—something our community had been asking for advice on during our Q&As on Instagram. It was a guidebook that I poured a lot of thought and effort into, but I was so nervous to share it. I kept wondering if it was good enough, or if it would even be helpful. I was honestly battling a bit of imposter syndrome, thinking that maybe it was a silly idea.

But then, one creator sent me a DM after going through the guidebook. They said it was incredible, that it was clear, easy to understand, and exactly what they needed. Hearing that feedback was such a validating moment for me. It was a reminder that even when self-doubt creeps in, putting yourself out there can really make a difference. It reinforced the importance of listening to our community and creating resources that truly support them in their creative journeys. That message gave me the boost I needed to keep going and continue offering more value to our community.

14. How do you envision the future of Urflo and its role in the creative community?

I envision Urflo becoming an indispensable tool for creators worldwide — a platform that not only helps them manage their workflows but also empowers them to take their creative businesses to new heights. I see Urflo evolving with the needs of the creative community, offering even more tailored features, resources, and support to help creators navigate the ever-changing landscape of content creation.

My goal is for Urflo to be more than just a platform; I want it to be a thriving community where creators can connect, collaborate, and learn from each other. I see us hosting more events, where creators can network, share their experiences, and build meaningful relationships. Ultimately, I see Urflo as a revolution — one that’s about empowering creators to not only manage their work more effectively but to thrive in every aspect of their creative journey. I’m excited to continue building this vision and to see where it takes us.

15. What steps do you take to ensure a healthy work-life balance and avoid burnout?

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is something I’m constantly working on, especially given the demands of running a startup. One of the most important steps I take is setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. I’ve learned that it’s crucial to give myself permission to switch off, even when the to-do list feels never-ending. I schedule regular breaks throughout the day and make sure to take at least one full day off each week to recharge. I also make a point to stay connected with the things that bring me joy outside of work—whether that’s spending time with friends and family, bird watching or being at pilates, or simply enjoying a quiet moment to myself. I’ve come to realise that downtime isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for maintaining my creativity and productivity. Another key aspect of avoiding burnout is staying organized and prioritizing tasks. I live by my calendar and make sure to block out time for both work and self-care. This helps me stay focused on what’s most important and ensures that I’m not overloading myself with too much at once. Lastly, I try to remind myself regularly that it’s okay to ask for help and delegate tasks when needed. Building a supportive team around me has been invaluable in ensuring that I can maintain a healthy balance and keep showing up as my best self for Urflo and our community.

Urflo Instagram: @__urflo
Asha Instagram: @ashacoooper

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@_urflo


Urflo website: www.urflo.com

In the face of countless challenges, Mahi Sohail has not only thrived as a single mother but has also channeled her personal experiences into building something remarkable—Kei Beauty™. Her journey, marked by resilience, determination, and a passion for self-care, is an inspiration to women everywhere. Through Kei Beauty™, Mahi seeks to simplify skincare for busy women like herself, offering effective, time-saving solutions that empower self-care without compromise. In this interview, she shares her story, her challenges, and the driving force behind her mission to inspire confidence and beauty from within.

  1. Can you share more about your journey as a single mom and how it influenced the creation of Kei Beauty™️? 

    As a single mother, juggling a demanding career and raising a child was incredibly challenging. I often found myself neglecting my own self-care, including skincare. This experience sparked my desire to create skincare products that were not only effective but also convenient and time-saving. Kei Beauty™ was born out of a need for simplicity and results.

  2. What inspired you to develop the snail essence miracle mask, and how did you come up with the concept of a time-saving skincare solution?

    As a single mother juggling a demanding career and childcare, I often found myself prioritizing others' needs over my own self-care. Skincare was often an afterthought. Determined to find a solution that fit seamlessly into my busy lifestyle, I began researching effective yet time-saving skincare options.
    Inspired by the proven benefits of snail mucin, I embarked on a journey to create a product that delivered exceptional results without sacrificing convenience. The Snail Essence Miracle Mask was born out of this desire to provide busy women with a luxurious yet efficient skincare solution.


    3.How did your personal experiences and challenges shape the development of Kei Beauty™️?

    My journey as a single mother profoundly shaped the development of Kei Beauty™. Balancing a demanding career with motherhood taught me the importance of efficiency and self-care. I realized that many women, like myself, often prioritize the needs of others over their own. This inspired me to create skincare solutions that were not only effective but also convenient and time-saving.
    Kei Beauty™ is a reflection of my personal challenges and triumphs, and it's my hope that it empowers other women to prioritize their well-being without sacrificing precious time.

4.What were some of the initial hurdles you faced when starting Kei Beauty™️, and how did you overcome them?
Building Kei Beauty™ has been a labor of love. From overcoming initial financial hurdles to crafting a unique brand identity, every step has been a learning experience. We’re excited to share this journey with you as we continue to grow and evolve.

Join us in celebrating the power of simplicity and self-care with our range of innovative skincare products.

5.How do you balance your responsibilities as a single mom with running a business? 

It’s about finding that perfect equilibrium between nurturing my child and nurturing my business. Every success in either realm fuels my determination to excel in both.

6.Can you describe a specific moment when you felt particularly proud of your achievements with Kei Beauty™️?

While Kei Beauty™ hasn't reached its full potential yet, there have been significant milestones. Developing a product that resonated with consumers and garnered initial positive feedback was a pivotal moment. Overcoming the challenges of product formulation, packaging design, and building a strong brand identity has been a rewarding journey. The support from early adopters has fueled our determination to create a skincare line that truly makes a difference.

7.What role has mental health played in your entrepreneurial journey, and how do you manage stress and maintain well-being?
Mental health is paramount when balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. To manage the inherent stress, I prioritize self-care activities like yoga and long walks. These practices help me recharge, find clarity, and maintain a positive outlook. By incorporating these routines into my daily life, I've been able to navigate the challenges of building Kei Beauty™ with greater resilience and focus.

8.What are some of the most common misconceptions about skin care that you aim to address with Kei Beauty™️? 

Kei Beauty™ aims to dispel common skincare myths and provide effective, results-oriented solutions. One prevalent misconception is that complex, multi-step routines are necessary for healthy skin. We believe in the power of simplicity and have developed products like the Snail Essence Miracle Mask to deliver exceptional results without overwhelming your skincare regimen.

Another misconception is that expensive skincare equals better results. Kei Beauty™ offers high-quality products at accessible price points, proving that effective skincare doesn't have to break the bank.By focusing on key ingredients and understanding our customers' needs, we strive to redefine skincare expectations and deliver products that truly make a difference.

Kei Beauty™ believes true beauty comes from within and shines through healthy, nourished skin. Our Snail Essence Miracle Mask is more than just a skincare product; it's a step towards self-care and confidence.

9.How do you stay motivated and focused when facing obstacles in your business?

10.What advice would you give to other women who are looking to start their own businesses or follow their passion projects?

Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is undoubtedly challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. It's about prioritizing, delegating, and believing in your vision. For those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey, I encourage you to:

Remember, every journey is unique. Trust your instincts and celebrate your successes, no matter how small.

11.How do you envision the future of Kei Beauty™️, and what are your long-term goals for the brand? 

I envision Kei Beauty™ as a global leader in accessible, effective skincare. Our long-term goal is to be synonymous with radiant, healthy skin. We aspire to expand our product range to include a comprehensive skincare regimen, addressing diverse skin concerns and needs.

Building a strong community of Kei Beauty™ enthusiasts is also a priority. We aim to create a platform where customers can share their skincare journeys, inspire others, and feel empowered.

Ultimately, Kei Beauty™ strives to be more than just a skincare brand. We want to be a source of inspiration and confidence for women everywhere.

12.Can you share any strategies or practices that have helped you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

Juggling the demands of a startup with the responsibilities of motherhood has been a constant learning process. Setting clear boundaries between work and family time has been crucial. Prioritizing tasks, delegating when possible, and embracing technology have been instrumental in managing my workload efficiently. Regular breaks, even short ones, help me recharge and maintain focus. Ultimately, it's about finding what works best for you and creating a support system that empowers you to thrive in both worlds.

13.What has been the most rewarding aspect of running Kei Beauty™️?

Seeing how our skincare solutions boost confidence and improve overall well-being is incredibly fulfilling. The personal stories shared by our customers are a constant source of inspiration, driving us to continue innovating and delivering exceptional products

14.How do you stay connected with your customers and gather feedback to improve your products?

Building a strong relationship with our customers is paramount to Kei Beauty's success. We leverage various channels to gather feedback and insights.

By combining these methods, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of our customers' needs and preferences, enabling us to refine our products and marketing strategies accordingly.

15.What message would you like to convey to other single moms or women entrepreneurs who might be facing similar challenges?

Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is undoubtedly challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Remember, you are capable of achieving extraordinary things. Prioritize self-care, build a strong support system, and believe in your vision. Every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals. You are not alone in this journey, and together, we can empower each other to succeed.

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Diandra Hofer’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and personal growth. After facing profound personal losses and stepping into the unknown of business ownership, she found herself at a crossroads—choosing to move forward despite exhaustion, doubts, and an overwhelming learning curve. Through it all, Diandra has remained steadfast, guided by her faith and a strong support network. Her story is a testament to the power of embracing discomfort, seeking help when needed, and finding balance in the midst of chaos. Diandra’s ability to reflect, adapt, and continue pursuing her passion for dance and community is truly inspiring.

What specific challenges did you face in balancing your physical and mental well-being with
your career?

When the opportunity to start our business came up, I had just come out of a solid year of
grief and recovery in losing a family member to a fast cancer battle, as well as losing a pregnancy well
into the 2nd trimester. I still felt like I was “reeling” and physically was still recovering from the loss of
our baby. At the same time, the strong sense of calling to this new thing lit a new fire and hope within me. It’s been difficult to balance both continued healing and the added new stresses of business ownership, but I’m learning to focus on what I can do each day, or sometimes each moment to help both my mind and body re-set and be more resilient to the challenges and stressors. I am also a homeschool mom, and it’s been a crazy learning curve to figure out how to be present. It’s hard not to feel guilty when you’re with your kids that you’re not working, or vise versa.

Can you describe a pivotal moment when you decided to rebuild and move forward with renewed strength?

I really can't give credit to anything else other than praying and feeling 100% confident that God was
asking me to step into something new. When you are asked to do something, He provides the strength to follow it through, and while I might doubt myself and my abilities, I don’t doubt His.


How did you handle the exhaustion and doubts during your transition?

Sometimes not very well, if we’re being honest! There were many tears and down days where I gave
into the doubts and wasn’t sure how to move forward. “Am I actually qualified to do this?” “I really just
wanted a quiet life and this feels like the opposite” “I’m too tired for this. I can’t maintain this”
Ultimately I needed to remind myself of truth. That I was equipped. That while it may not be a quiet life, I can choose to create space and quiet amidst outter chaos. That while this is tiring, it’s all worth it if what I’m doing can have a positive impact.

What practices or strategies helped you regain confidence in your calling?

At the beginning it was just so obvious that it was the right thing to do. I had many confirmations
through the people around me and just myself KNOWING this was right. That doesn’t mean everyone
was behind me, but people I trusted were. I had to intentionally remind myself to go back to the
beginning. Remembering those words, remembering the initial inspiration, recalling the way that it felt,
and probably asking God way too many times “Is this really what you said to do” and always
experiencing peace in the answer. I also made sure to talk with people who would encourage me and build me up in times of questioning.

Can you share an example of how embracing discomfort led to personal growth?

Oh man. So many things have been wildly uncomfortable in this process. My skills are in program
formation, directing programming, artistic skills like choreography, teaching, and forming relationships
with students. Pretty much all things business have been outside my comfort zone. Having to step up and be confident that I can still learn new things has brought a lot of growth in doing things scared, and being okay not knowing how to do everything right away. It’s also been a growth process to learn when it’s okay to let an expert take care of something that does not come naturally to me.

How did you navigate the process of transitioning into business ownership?

I had a great foundation of the core dance programming that had been laid out by the previous studio
owner of 40 years. Making sure to glean from all of her processes and what she had learned, while still
making sure to venture out in new areas and make updates, was very important.

What role did self-evaluation play in your journey of transformation?

I wouldn’t have made it had I not been solid in knowing where my identity lies. It’s not in dance, in being a dancer or dance teacher or business owner. My identity is that I am a child of God. There’s so much protection in knowing that. You can get shaken pretty hard if your identity is wrapped up in the job title or thing that you do. I know that all of this could fall away, and I’m still that most important thing. I’m still a child who is protected and loved by her Father.

How do you maintain balance between your personal well-being and your professional responsibilities?

There were definitely times in the last year or two that I got caught up in the task list and missed out on sleep, good food, relaxation etc. Usually our body is pretty good at putting out the warning signal that it’stime to slow down, so I’ve been practicing listening to those cues and making sure I take a few minutes, half a day, whatever is needed to intentionally rest and give my body what it needs. Acknowledging that everything will be okay if you take a step back for a moment is hard, but it’s a lie we tell ourselves that you have to constantly go-go-go or it will all fall apart… even though I can relate to feeling that way!

Can you discuss a time when you felt stuck and how you managed to overcome it?

At some point after we opened, the adrenaline wore off. The beginnings are so wild with constant “new” and movement, and it’s exciting! After settling in I hit such a wall of exhaustion and discouragement knowing that I literally could not continue at the same pace I had started with. I did feel stuck wearing all the hats of a business and not knowing where to start to fix it. I think it took me a while to realize how miserable I was feeling, but acknowledging that is in fact how overwhelmed I was, was important. I had my meltdown, cried to my husband, and prayed for help. I scheduled a meeting with an organization that helps women in business, as well as another mentor who had been running a large non profit for years. It was amazing to have outside eyes look at myself and my business and say “hey, it sounds like these are the areas you should be handling, and these are things you should find a way to hand off”. In a way I needed that confirmation that I wasn’t crazy for feeling so overwhelmed.

What advice would you give to someone who feels overwhelmed by their current situation?

Take a step back, quiet the noise for a bit, and take an evaluation of what is working well. Sometimes we pass over what we are doing right as we sit in overwhelm. Then be honest with yourself look at what is feeling chaotic and what’s not working. Get someone else involved, a friend, a mentor, somebody who can see things differently than you and give you some different perspective and direction. We really don’t have to be alone! In my case, that has been all that I’ve needed to be able to take a deep breath with new perspective and keep moving.

How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work amidst challenges?

I have to remind myself to play! I work in the arts, and if I get to bogged down by the business side
of our operation, I feel so drained. Even if you’re not in the arts, every sector has some aspect of
creativity. Take time to explore and have fun (in my case, just to dance without any plan or direction). It
reminds you why you love the area you’re in. Another thing I can do is just take a second to really look at the kids/people I work with. Man, I love them! That’s all the motivation I need!

What is one key lesson you’ve learned from owning your dance studio?

That I cannot act like I’m superhuman… that I can’t do it alone. I’m so thankful for my foundation in God and knowing that he will supply my every need, as well as for the strong community of people around me. It’s okay to ask for help, it’s okay to be vulnerable. I’ve also had to learn that perfectionistic standards are going to get me nowhere! There is so much value in learning to let go, to let things not be perfect.

How do you support your own mental health while managing multiple projects?

Brain shut-downs (in a healthy way) are a must. Getting out in nature, taking a nap, playing with my
family, exercise, a bath. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but giving yourself permission to NOT
multi-task, turn off all tasks in your head, and just BE in a rejuvenating activity helps me re-set.
Sometimes you don’t feel like you have time when you’re spinning so many plates, but if you have 10
minutes to check out, you’re going to go back to the to do list stronger and feeling more sane.

What impact has your dance studio had on the community and yourself?

I grew up in the studio that I currently own, and can honestly say I do not know what my life would have looked like without it. Dance itself has been such an important outlet for me, and the relationships and opportunities that have come from this studio community have been huge blessings. I think our studio is unique in that have a small family feel, and we are more focused on the arts and community. We love the art of dance and the way it communicates, and have been able to take that to churches, schools, parks, wherever there’s opportunity to share. We have so many alumni that come back because the studio was a place that felt like a safe home, and they’re drawn to visit again. That’s actually where our new studio name came from. “Haven”. We want to create a space where students can come be loved on, mentored, and express themselves through dance.

How do you envision the future of your dance studio and other creative projects?

I just see a place full of joy and creativity! When I took over ownership, we knew that we wanted this to
be a “Collective”, a community. We started with piano lessons alongside our dance program, and now we just opened a full music and podcast production studio and will also have guitar lessons. I foresee other arts coming alongside our current programming in the years to come! Dance will always be our center, but I’m just so excited to see our beautiful space become a hub for all things artistic.

IG: @havenartscollective

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Taya Jefferson's journey is a powerful reminder that healing and personal growth often come from embracing change. After experiencing burnout in the corporate world, she bravely stepped away to prioritize her mental health and pursue a passion for art therapy and spiritual healing. Now, through her creation of The Creative Healing Space, she integrates her diverse skills, offering a unique blend of therapy and spiritual guidance. Taya’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of following one's intuition, taking risks, and crafting a life centered on well-being and authentic connection

Can you share the story behind your decision to leave the corporate world and pursue a path in art therapy and spiritual healing?

-Burnout, extreme burnout is why I left my corporate job. On top of the usual capitalistic annoyances, being an art therapist in organizations run by non-mental health workers (who also don’t seem to truly understand your work) is extremely draining and not ideal if you want to provide quality care to your clients. I was working at what I thought was my “dream job”; I was a therapist at a middle school and I really enjoyed the work I was doing (the kids were the  best part). Unfortunately, all good things eventually come to an end, and though it was a tough decision, I had to put my mental health first.

What inspired you to create The Creative Healing Space, and how does it integrate your diverse skills and passions?

-I’ve been in the therapy field for over six years, and I’ve been active in my spirituality for about nine. I wanted to find a way to bring my two worlds together. The name is still in the works, but for now “The Creative Healing Space” is what I am building. I have worked with clients from the therapy side, and I have worked with clients on the spiritual side—I wanted to this two together under one, because I believe healing is not linear, its creative and can be done in so many ways. I have been blessed with these two tools that help people, and I want to share with anyone that is open to it.

How has your background as an Art Therapist and spiritualist influenced your approach to healing and personal growth?

-I dove into these two different modalities around the same time in my life, grad school. I was just learning what self-care and self-love was, and since then those two things have been pretty important staples in my life, as well as in the work that I do with clients. I didn’t realize art and spirituality were so connected, until I started studying and reading tarot. My education in Art Therapy really helped me to become a better tarot reader because the art on the cards are so symbolic and vivid, plus my thesis had a lot to do with image analysis. The person I was in my early to mid twenties had a lot of healing and growing to do, after educating myself, I was able to work on these things and incorporate both art and spirituality into my own healing journey, successfully.

What were some of the most significant challenges you faced when transitioning from a corporate job to running your own business?

-Well, when I left my job it was much sooner than I had planned, so I would say the most challenging thing would be going from being financially stable BUT burnout, to being not financially stable BUT my mental health improved. Years ago, I ran a pretty successful online metaphysical shop, as well as offering tarot readings, but I stumbled into that business, so that transition was completely different compared to now. I had already planned to leave my job eventually and go into private practice as an Art Therapist, but I didn’t have a plan yet. Leaving my job sooner than expected really set me back financially, and when you’re starting a business from the bottom up, without the proper finances, it can be tough. 

How did you overcome the doubts and fears you had about leaving your 9-5 job, and what advice would you give to others in a similar situation?

-Unfortunately, the circumstances I was facing at this workplace, I had to get out of there as soon as possible for the sake of my mental health. Fear and doubt is what kept me there much longer than I should have been. I was there for two years, the burnout began six months before I left (and my plan was to stay even longer than I did). I admit I made a hasty decision to exit, however, I believe this decision partially saved my life, as well as my career, that I really love doing—I couldn’t let anyone take that from me. I made the brave choice to put myself first, I did not think for a second what my employer, family, friends or colleagues would think, because none of them were in my shoes. My advice to anyone in a similar situation, ALWAYS put yourself first! I could not show up for my clients because I was not okay, in making my decision I stuck to my values, integrity and ethics. You can’t take care of anyone if you don’t take care of yourself.

Can you describe a moment when you felt particularly proud or fulfilled in your work at The Creative Healing Space?

-I started on this new journey a few months ago, offering spiritual counsel services, as well as tarot advisements, giving myself a much needed break from clinical work. However, now that I am a fully Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT), I am very proud to soon be offering therapy services via my own private practice. I’m excited to bring my two worlds together and show people that change, growth and healing, even though scary, is possible. What fulfills me most is helping people, but being able to do it my way (finally) is even more fulfilling, and I am so happy for this next chapter!

How do you incorporate your personal experiences and journey into the healing practices you offer?

-I always say even though I’m not that young, I’m also not too old, but I feel I have so much wisdom within me to share with the world (or those willing to listen). Any one that chooses to become a therapist, most likely have been though something tough, and therapy was helpful to them. I’ve had some instances with clients where I didn’t learn the solution from school, the solution came from my own experience, whether it happened to me or someone close to me. I have an agreement with myself that I don’t give advice, tips, or feedback on things that I have not learned, studied or been through, as I strive to always be genuine and authentic with my work.

In what ways has your work helped you address and manage your own mental health?

-I’ve been on my own mental health journey since I was in middle school, so its kind of ironic that I eventually was a therapist at a middle school, helping teens go through some of the same exact things that I’ve experienced. To show up for your clients 100% means showing up for yourself 100%, first. Working with actual people that have actual feelings and stressors reminds you that you need to be in a good headspace to do the work with them, which is why I am always striving to better myself, especially mentally. Also, once you share with a client that therapists also go to therapists, they see that you are an actual person with actual feelings and stressors, that is just here to help. 

How do you balance the demands of running your business with taking care of your own well-being?

-Taking breaks! This goes for any kind of work, breaks and rest are so important in life. In the past I would overwork and take on too much, not realizing this was a direct response to some things and people in my childhood. I just thought I was a “hard-worker”, but I learned the hard way that is not the case. At my corporate job, I would skip breaks, work extra hours, work extra days, was told I was one of the “best”, only to be basically disposed of when I was burning out—in the end, my “hard-work” did not matter, and that was a very harsh reality check for me. Now I rest, take breaks and do self-care no matter what, because I can still get the work done, it just doesn’t have to be hustling and bustling all the time. I remind myself it's okay to slow down and life is not intended to be rushed though, or to be overworked and exhausted.

What are some common misconceptions about art therapy and spiritual healing that you’ve encountered, and how do you address them?

-Engaging in anything that isn’t practical comes with tons of misconceptions. A lot of people will assume and treat me like I’m not a “real” therapist because its “Art” Therapy, but a quick google search will let you know that Art Therapy requires years of educational and work experience, it’s a master’s level career, just as any other mental health field. I’ve been in workplaces where they think I’m just drawing and having a good time with my clients, when in actuality I am doing exactly what other therapists do, talk therapy, I’m just trained in using art as a form of communication, healing and connection, too. I do my best to educate people, as Art Therapists have been around for over fifty years, and the field is just continuing to grow. I’ve even had kids tell me they want to be one when they grow up, after they have worked with me and now understand. With spiritual healing, you always get pushback because people fear what they do not understand, especially on social media. People think spirituality is new, but it has been here longer than religion, this is not as easy to educate people on, so I try to stay away from spaces that are not as welcoming and open to learning new things. 

How do you stay motivated and inspired in your work, especially during challenging times?

-This is where spiritual healing and my own spirituality come into play. This year I’ve been realizing that the world is so much more than the challenging times that we face. I pray and journal a lot. I do a lot of spiritual work within myself in order to stay grounded and hopeful of the present and future. Faith is what keeps me afloat during tough times, and don’t get me wrong, it can waver sometimes, but I always go back to having faith and hope in my spiritual abilities and the Creator of the Universe. I am learning that life is not that serious, and it helps me a ton to not lose motivation or inspiration.  

Can you share a success story from your clients that highlights the impact of The Creative Healing Space?

-Since 2019, I have been spiritually advising others. I was able to create a pretty big online presence and I was basically booked and busy. In 2022, I set this business aside to pursue my Art Therapy career more in depth, as the two required a lot of my attention and I just wasn’t able to do that. When I relaunched this year, with a whole rebrand, I had clients return, mentioning they were just as excited and have been patiently waiting for me to come back. It felt good to be welcomed with open arms by the people that truly supported me and took my services seriously since day one.

What role does community play in your work, and how do you foster a supportive environment for your clients?

-Currently, all of my work is virtual, which is something I wish to change in the future. With my social media presence, my goal was always to create a community, where I can share my own experiences in hopes of creating connections and helping others. I want someone to click on my page and think, “wow, this is what I needed”, whether its motivation, education or just some kind words that day. I do hope to be able to create a physical sense of community one day, but for now, I will keep showing up as my authentic self, sharing what I know, being an active listener and just seeing people for who they really are, or who we all are—spiritual beings having the human experience. 

What are some practical tips or practices you would recommend to women who are looking to explore their own paths to healing?

-Be open and follow your intuition. Healing is not just done one way, and healing is an ongoing process—there is no finish line. Make sure that you are doing this for you, and that you are ready. Trust what your intuition/gut instinct is telling you, and shut out any outside noise (advice) because only you know what is best for you. If you’re new to your healing journey, start slow, get to know yourself again and also do your own research! Not everyone on social media spreads accurate information—self-care is pretty simple and can look like drinking water, eating food, dancing around your room, or taking a nap, self-care and healing is not glamorous at all. There’s no rush and no comparisons. Also, its okay to ask for help and to go to therapy! Mental health is important!

How do you envision the future of The Creative Healing Space, and what are your goals for its growth and impact?

-I just want to keep growing organically and getting my name out there. I’ll be taking on therapy clients on top of my spiritual counsel clients and I’m excited to be doing the things that I love. In the future, I would love to create an actual creative and safe healing space for people to connect at and have a place to go be themselves while navigating their healing journey. This could look like a physical location or even retreats. My goal is to do what I love, and be happy and secure in doing so, and if I can help others achieve the same on top of that, I am more than glad to.

IG and Threads: 

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Taya | Art Therapist & Spiritual Counsel (@taya.jefferson) • Instagram photos and videos


W: www.creativehealingwithtayaj.com


Alyssa Hatchard, the visionary behind Healing with Wanderlyss, is on a mission to help others reconnect with their true selves and embrace their soul's unique journey. Inspired by her own experiences of transformation and self-discovery, Alyssa combines her love for travel and deep passion for holistic healing to guide individuals towards living more authentic and fulfilling lives. Her work is a blend of traditional wisdom and modern techniques, designed to empower people to heal from within, find their purpose, and navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace. In this interview, Alyssa shares her story, the inspiration behind her work, and her vision for helping others on their path to self-discovery.

1. What inspired you to start Healing with Wanderlyss, and how do your travels and experiences abroad influence your work?

Healing with Wanderlyss was inspired by a profound desire to help others reconnect with their true selves and navigate their unique soul pathways. From a young age, I knew I had an intuitive gift, but life’s challenges led me to disconnect from that part of myself. It wasn’t until I experienced a significant loss that I began my journey of self-discovery and healing. This personal transformation ignited a deep passion within me to help others who feel lost, disconnected, or unfulfilled in their lives.

As I traveled the world, from the diverse landscapes of Canada to the cultural richness of Australia, New Zealand, and beyond, I realized that healing is a universal need, yet deeply personal and unique to each individual. My work with international organizations such as the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders exposed me to a wide range of human experiences, from the psychological to the spiritual. These experiences taught me that healing isn’t just about addressing immediate pain or trauma—it’s about nurturing the soul and helping people reconnect with their true purpose.

Healing with Wanderlyss serves those who are seeking more than just superficial solutions. It’s for individuals who are ready to dive deep into their personal growth, heal from within, and align their lives with their soul’s true calling. Whether they’re navigating life transitions, dealing with emotional pain, or simply feeling stuck, I guide them through a holistic healing process that combines traditional wisdom with modern techniques. My goal is to empower them to lead soul-led lives full of purpose, passion, and fulfillment.

Through my practice, I serve as a guide for those who are ready to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery. Healing, much like travel, is a journey of exploration—of the self, the soul, and the world around us. My work is designed to help people find their way back to themselves, uncover their true potential, and live authentically in alignment with their highest purpose.

2. What role does mental health play in your practice, and how do you address it both for yourself and for those you work with?

Mental health is not just a cornerstone of my practice; it’s a fundamental part of my own life story. With a background in psychology and years of experience working in mental health and disability services, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact that mental well-being has on every aspect of our lives. Whether it’s how we navigate relationships, pursue our goals, or simply get through the day, mental health shapes our reality in powerful ways.

In my current role as a transformational coach, I am deeply committed to addressing mental health holistically. I create a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their inner worlds, process their emotions, and build resilience. This is not just about managing symptoms; it’s about helping clients reconnect with their true selves and find peace and balance in their lives. By integrating mindfulness, Reiki, and other energy healing practices, I guide clients in reconnecting with their inner peace and cultivating a sense of balance that supports their overall well-being.

My approach is grounded in the understanding that healing is a deeply personal journey, and mental health is a critical component of that journey. I work with clients to help them uncover and address the underlying issues that may be affecting their mental well-being, whether it’s past trauma, chronic stress, or feelings of disconnection. Through our work together, clients develop the tools and strategies they need to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and confidence.

For myself, maintaining my mental health is essential to my ability to effectively hold space for others. I prioritize self-care, regularly engage in energy work, and practice mindfulness to stay grounded and centered. Spending time outdoors also plays a crucial role in my well-being, as it helps me recharge and stay connected to the natural rhythms of life. By nurturing my own mental health, I am better equipped to support my clients on their journeys towards healing and transformation.

A particularly powerful moment for me was when I first started coaching and speaking. There was a profound sense of knowing—like being on cloud nine with a fire in my belly. One standout experience was working with a client who felt misaligned between her career and her true purpose. She was drained from balancing a soul-sucking job while pursuing her passions. Through our sessions, we peeled back the layers, helping her reconnect with her inner truth and develop a practical plan to transition into a career that resonated with her soul. Seeing her realize her power to reshape her life and step into her purpose was incredibly moving and reinforced my mission of helping others live authentically.

Another significant moment was the creation of my podcast, ‘Soul Pathways.’ It was a breakthrough moment when I truly felt heard and seen in ways I hadn’t before. Learning that my podcast reached listeners in over 20 countries and 188 cities was surreal. When I received an email notifying me that I’d hit the top 200 in Canada, everything shifted. That achievement deeply connected me to my mission with Healing with Wanderlyss, and it continues to fuel my passion.

4. Can you share an example of how your work has positively impacted someone’s life?

One of the most rewarding experiences in my practice was guiding a client through her Reiki journey. She initially came to me feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, burdened by the weight of past traumas and the demands of her everyday life. She had always been curious about energy healing but was uncertain if it could truly help her. Together, we embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing through Reiki.

As she progressed through each level of Reiki training, I witnessed profound changes in her. She began to release the emotional blockages that had been holding her back and started reconnecting with her inner strength and intuition. Through our sessions, she learned how to channel healing energy not only for herself but also for others, which further deepened her sense of purpose.

One of the most powerful moments came during a Reiki session where she had a breakthrough—she realized that the pain and limitations she had been carrying for so long were no longer her burden to bear. It was as if a weight had been lifted, and she finally felt free to move forward with clarity and confidence. This shift in her energy was palpable, and it marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life where she was more aligned with her true self than ever before.

This experience not only reinforced the power of Reiki but also highlighted the incredible transformations that can happen when we commit to healing on a deep, energetic level. It’s moments like these that remind me why I do this work—to help others reclaim their power, heal from within, and step fully into their purpose.

5. What are some common misconceptions about the field of healing and personal growth, and how do you address them?

One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter is the belief that healing and personal growth are linear processes with a clear start and finish. Many people think there’s a set formula or a checklist that, once completed, will lead them to a state of permanent well-being. But in reality, healing is a deeply layered, cyclical journey that evolves with the seasons of our lives. It’s not about reaching a final destination, but about continuously peeling back the layers to discover deeper truths about ourselves.

Another misconception is that healing can be achieved simply by following a prescribed set of steps, as if it were a one-size-fits-all solution. My experience has taught me that true transformation is far more intricate. It involves working on multiple levels—the mental, emotional, physical, and soul aspects of our being. It’s about more than just changing habits or thoughts; it’s about healing wounds, nurturing our inner world, and aligning with our soul’s purpose.

In my practice, I emphasize the importance of patience, compassion, and commitment. Healing isn’t something you can rush or force; it requires us to honor the process and trust in its timing. I guide my clients to understand that their healing journey is an integral part of their soul’s pathway on earth, a continuous unfolding that’s unique to each individual.

6. How do you integrate your personal experiences and lessons learned into your work with clients?

My personal experiences, especially my time living overseas and working in fields like forensic psychiatry and palliative care, have profoundly shaped my approach to coaching. These experiences have instilled in me the importance of resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of human connection. In my work with clients, I create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where they feel truly seen and heard. My own journey of reconnecting with my soul’s wisdom allows me to guide clients through their unique self-discovery process with authenticity and empathy. The lessons I’ve gathered along the way are not just abstract ideas; they are practical tools I share to help others navigate their paths. I’m currently channeling these insights into a book on self-discovery and transformation, blending my soul’s journey with actionable lessons that anyone can apply to their own lives.

7. What are your future goals for Healing with Wanderlyss, and how do you plan to achieve them?

My vision for Healing with Wanderlyss is to create a sanctuary for those seeking deep transformation and alignment with their soul’s purpose. I’m excited about expanding my offerings to include self-discovery retreats, where individuals can immerse themselves in a supportive, soul-nourishing environment to explore their true selves and heal on a deeper level.

In addition, I’m working on developing a signature program that embodies the essence of my approach, bridging the practical and spiritual to guide people through life-changing transformations. My podcast, ‘Soul Pathways,’ will continue to grow as a source of inspiration and guidance, drawing from both my personal journey and my work with clients.

Another major goal is completing my book, which I believe will serve as a cornerstone resource for anyone navigating their self-discovery journey. To bring these dreams to life, I’m focused on deepening my connections within the wellness community, continuing my own growth, and staying fiercely committed to my mission. This fall, I’m launching a new program to offer even more support to those ready to step into their true selves. I’d love for you to join me on this journey—stay connected at www.healingwithwanderlyss.com.

IG: @healingwithwanderlyss 

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Alyssa Hatchard (@healingwithwanderlyss) • Instagram photos and videos


Podcast: Soul Pathways Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/soul-pathways-podcast/id1715063093

In today’s fast-paced world, fashion and mental well-being might seem like two entirely separate concepts, but Jennifer Heinen is proving otherwise with "The Style My Mind Podcast." Her journey has taken her from the heart of the fashion industry to a place where psychology and style intersect, revealing how what we wear can profoundly affect how we feel. Through personal experiences and expert insights, Jennifer empowers her audience to embrace the connection between their wardrobe and their well-being, helping them to not only look good but also feel their best.

What inspired you to merge fashion and psychology into "The Style My Mind Podcast"?

The inspiration behind merging fashion and psychology in "The Style My Mind Podcast" stemmed from my passion for exploring how these two seemingly distinct fields intersect. Fashion is often viewed as superficial, but I’ve always seen it as a powerful tool for self-expression, identity formation, and mental well-being. Psychology offers a lens through which we can understand the deeper implications of our clothing choices, not just on our self-esteem but on our social interactions and mental health. By combining these fields, I wanted to create a platform that delves into how what we wear influences how we feel, and vice versa, ultimately helping people unlock their best selves through mindful dressing and self-awareness.  

How does the podcast reflect your personal journey and passion for both fashion and mental well-being?

The podcast is a direct reflection of my personal journey. Having spent years in the fashion industry, I became increasingly aware of the psychological effects clothing has on people, including myself. I’ve always believed that how we dress can be both a form of self-care and self-expression. However, it wasn’t until I began exploring mental health more deeply that I realized the transformative potential of this intersection. The podcast allows me to share insights not only from my personal journey and expertise - navigating through the fashion world, confronting my own mental health challenges, and ultimately finding a balance between looking good and feeling good, but also the insights and advice from various industry experts. 

Can you share a moment or experience that reinforced your belief in the connection between fashion and mental health?

One defining moment that reinforced my belief in the connection between fashion and mental health happened during a difficult time in my life. I had just moved from Berlin to New York City to start a dream design job at my dream company, but I was also grieving the recent loss of my grandmother, unable to attend her funeral. The transition was emotionally overwhelming. In the midst of this, I wore a blouse from my grandmother's wardrobe. It felt like a comforting hug, as if she were telling me that everything would be okay. That garment had a profound effect on my emotional state, helping me navigate my grief. This experience was a turning point, making me realise the significant impact clothing can have on our mental well-being, which inspired me to explore this connection further through my research and podcast.

What were the biggest challenges you faced when introducing your ideas about fashion and psychology to a broader audience?
One of the biggest challenges I faced when introducing the intersection of fashion and psychology was overcoming the initial skepticism. Since this area is still relatively unexplored, many people dismissed it as trivial or irrelevant. Breaking away from the traditional focus on aesthetics in the fashion industry was another hurdle. To bridge this gap, I have to blend research with relatable stories, making the concept both informative and accessible.

An illustrative example comes from my bachelor’s thesis, where I pitched a project titled "Fine. - A Social Tragedy." The idea was to push the boundaries of fashion design by exploring the phases of depression and its impact on physical resilience. My approach was met with resistance, with comments like "Is depression even relevant? Everyone has a bad day once in a while" and "This is ambitious - do you think you can pull this off?" Despite the discouragement, it highlighted the urgent need for a deeper conversation between fashion and psychology. Fortunately, with the support of one person who believed in my vision, I completed the project and went on to win three design awards. This experience reinforced my commitment to challenging norms and pushing this dialogue forward. (I can provide links, photos/video and certificates if needed)

How did transitioning out of the fashion industry impact your approach to the podcast and your personal growth?

Transitioning out of the traditional fashion industry allowed me to approach the podcast with fresh eyes. It gave me the freedom to explore new ideas without the constraints of industry norms and expectations. While my deep domain expertise in fashion is invaluable, stepping outside of it challenged me to think more critically and inclusively. This shift has been transformative, not just professionally, but personally. It has broadened my perspective, enabling me to appreciate diverse viewpoints and explore topics that I might not have considered before. This growth has made the podcast richer, more dynamic, and more aligned with what the audience needs.  

How do you handle resistance or skepticism about the novelty of your subject matter?

I approach resistance and skepticism with an open mind and a commitment to educating. I understand that new ideas can be met with doubt, but I see this as an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations. I back up my claims with research and real-life examples, which helps to build credibility. At the same time, I remain empathetic to differing opinions, recognising that changing perceptions takes time. My goal is to slowly shift the narrative by consistently delivering content that resonates with listeners and shows the tangible impact of merging fashion and psychology.


What role does personal empowerment play in the content you create for your podcast?

Personal empowerment is at the heart of everything I do on the podcast. I believe that understanding the psychological aspects of fashion gives individuals the tools they need to take control of their self-image and mental well-being. Whether it’s through discussing how certain colors can influence mood or how dressing for the job you want can affect career success, each episode is designed to empower listeners to make informed choices that align with their goals and values. The podcast is a space where people can explore new ways of thinking about themselves and their potential.

How has your own mental health journey influenced the topics and discussions on "The Style My Mind Podcast"?

My mental health journey has been a significant driving force behind "The Style My Mind Podcast." Experiencing firsthand the ups and downs of mental well-being has deepened my understanding of how crucial it is to address these issues holistically. I've realised that fashion is more than just an external expression; it’s a reflection of how we feel inside and can be a tool above all else. Research in psychology supports this - studies have shown that what we wear can influence our emotions, perceptions, and even our cognitive abilities. My experiences have shaped the podcast to be a space where discussions around mental health are as important as those about fashion. For example, episodes often explore how clothing can be used as a tool for boosting confidence or managing social anxiety. This dual focus allows listeners to see the connection between what they wear and how they feel, helping them navigate both aspects of their lives with greater awareness and intention.


What strategies do you use to stay inspired and motivated when faced with challenges in your field?

Staying inspired and motivated in a niche field like fashion psychology requires a mix of strategies. One key approach is continuous learning - I regularly engage with new research, attend relevant webinars, and read widely across psychology, fashion, and cultural news. This keeps my content fresh and grounded in the latest insights. Another strategy is connecting with like-minded individuals who share my passion. Whether through networking events or social media, these connections offer new perspectives and support. Lastly, I practice mindfulness and self-care, which help me manage stress and maintain a positive mindset, allowing me to tackle challenges with clarity and creativity.

How do you balance your previous expertise in fashion with the new perspectives you’re exploring through the podcast?

Balancing my fashion expertise with new perspectives from psychology has been an exciting challenge. I’ve learned to view fashion through a more analytical and empathetic lens, considering how trends and styles impact mental well-being. This balance is achieved by integrating my deep knowledge of the fashion industry with psychological principles, creating a unique narrative that resonates with a broader audience. I consciously avoid getting too entrenched in either field alone; instead, I seek to create synergy between the two. This approach not only broadens the scope of my discussions but also allows me to bring something truly innovative to the table.  


How do you address and incorporate diverse perspectives in your podcast to foster inclusivity and broad understanding?

Inclusivity is a cornerstone of "The Style My Mind Podcast." I actively seek out diverse voices, whether it’s through guest interviews, featuring experts from various cultural backgrounds, or exploring topics that resonate with different communities. I believe that fashion and mental health are universal experiences, yet they are influenced by cultural, socioeconomic, and personal factors. By bringing in a wide range of perspectives, the podcast fosters a more inclusive dialogue that resonates with a broader audience. I also listen to feedback from listeners, ensuring that the content remains relevant and respectful of the diverse experiences that shape our understanding of fashion and psychology.


What advice would you give to someone looking to explore unconventional career paths or merge different fields of interest?

If you’re considering an unconventional career path or merging different fields, my advice is to embrace curiosity and be fearless in exploring new ideas. The intersection of fields can lead to innovative and rewarding career paths, but it often requires resilience and a willingness to step outside traditional boundaries. Start by identifying your unique strengths and passions, and then look for ways they can complement each other. It’s also important to build a network of mentors and peers who understand and support your vision. Finally, stay open to learning and be patient - pioneering a new path takes time, but the results can be incredibly fulfilling.How do you ensure that the content of your podcast is both practical and empowering for your listeners?

To ensure the content is both practical and empowering, I focus on providing actionable insights that listeners can immediately apply to their lives. Each episode is designed to be informative but also relatable, offering tips and strategies that are presented in a way that feels accessible. I also emphasise empowerment by encouraging listeners to take control of their narrative, whether that’s through their fashion choices or their mental well-being. We additionally have the Style My Mind Challenge, which is introduced by each guest to embrace personal growth in various forms. By combining expert advice with real-world application, the podcast serves as a toolkit for listeners to enhance their self-awareness, confidence, and overall well-being.


What is one piece of advice you’d give to women who are striving to integrate their passions into a meaningful career or project?

My advice to women looking to integrate their passions into a meaningful career is to stay true to your vision and be patient with the process. Passion is a powerful driver, but it’s equally important to pair it with perseverance and strategic planning. Don’t be afraid to take risks or pivot when necessary, but always keep your core values at the center of your work. Surround yourself with supportive mentors and peers who inspire and more importantly challenge you. And remember, meaningful work often requires time to evolve, so give yourself the grace to grow and adapt as you build a career that truly reflects who you are and what you stand for.

Website: https://www.stylmynd.com 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/style.my.mind/

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Jennifer Heinen (@style.my.mind) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-heinen-gmbpss-279492136/

Watch the Style my Mind Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@stylemymindpodcast

Listen to the Episode here:

Moanna Adams is a teen on a mission to inspire her peers to embrace personal growth, mental health, and self-love through her podcast, "Making Waves with Moanna Adams." As a young creator herself, she recognized the need for a platform where teens could feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. Driven by her own experiences and fueled by a desire to uplift other teens, Moanna is creating a space for young people to work on becoming their best selves—one actionable step at a time. With each episode, Moanna ensures that her audience leaves empowered, offering practical advice and the encouragement needed to turn dreams into reality.

  1. What inspired you to create "Making Waves with Moanna Adams," and how does it cater to the needs of teens specifically?

    As a younger teen, I listened to a lot of wellness podcasts by women in their 20s, and I really loved them. They're great podcasts—I often recommend them to my listeners because they give excellent advice. However, as a 14-year-old girl living with her family, a lot of what they talked about was difficult to implement. I felt that there was a need for a place where teens could go to work on becoming the best version of themselves. I wanted to create a space where teens could discuss mental health, self-love, personal growth, relationships, and the things that matter to us. I also wanted to provide a platform for other teen business owners, authors, models, creators, and what I call "teen wave makers" to share their stories and experiences, inspiring other teens to become the best versions of themselves, work on self-improvement, and reach their goals. I make sure to provide actionable advice at the end of every episode, whether I'm speaking with guests or doing solo episodes, to ensure listeners can implement the topics we discuss into their daily lives.
  2. Can you share your personal journey and what led you to start a podcast focused on mental health and personal growth?

    I was raised by parents who are always working on themselves, learning, and trying to grow, so I’ve developed the same mindset. As I mentioned, I wanted to create a space where teens could work on themselves, feel comfortable, and have a safe space to grow and learn. I have struggled with different mental health challenges in the past, just like many others, and I believe all of these experiences—no matter how small or big—are important to learn from and discuss. I wanted to build a space for teens to have those conversations because, while mental health resources are more accessible than ever, it’s still not enough. It’s crucial to create places for open discussion specifically for our age group.
  3. How did your experience living in an RV for a year influence your perspective and approach to your podcast and business?

    I think anytime someone travels to a place different from what they're used to, they’re going to learn something new or change their perspective. We traveled through 48 states in 48 weeks, so we saw almost the entire country in a year. We were constantly seeing new things, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. I learned a lot about how different people live, from driving through New York City to visiting a small town in Texas with a population of just 100 people. This experience gave me a better understanding of the world and the diverse ways people live and experience life. It’s helped me be more open-minded and connect with people who live different lifestyles. 



  4. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while traveling and living in an RV, and how did they impact you personally?

    I absolutely loved traveling full-time but it was a challenging adjustment. Because most full-time RV families have young kids I saw one, maybe two teens my age the entire year we traveled. I'm such a social person and you also lose a lot of the community you have at home—family, friends, and the people you see daily. People talk about how technology helps us stay connected but nothing replaces quality time in person. The loneliness was difficult to push through, but it made me stronger. I learned to love my own company, which has given me a better understanding of who I am, what I want, and what my goals are.

  5. How do you handle the balance between motivation and consistency in producing your podcast episodes?

    I prefer to record when I'm feeling super motivated so that I’m my best self behind the mic but that's not always an option. There are days when I have to push through, "fake it till I make it," and record to ensure consistency and keep putting out episodes. Consistency is really important, especially in content creation, but it's not everything. Some people say consistency is the key, but I think the quality of the content is more important. If you're consistently putting out bad content, it won't get you where you want to go. Quality over quantity is crucial.
  6. What are some actionable steps you provide in your podcast that teens can implement to improve their mental health and self-love?

    At the end of every episode, we have a "homework" segment where I make sure to give actionable steps that teens can implement what we discussed into their daily lives. The homework might be an exercise, activity, journaling prompt, or a step toward starting something new. I also work with my guests to provide similar actionable advice. Some past homework assignments have included trying something new, journaling, going on a solo date, and doing a self-love challenge. I do a "Self-Love February" every year, where you write down one thing you love about yourself every day for the entire month of February—that's one of my favorites. It’s simple but effective and more challenging than most people think.

  7. How do you stay connected with your audience and ensure that the advice and content you provide remain relevant and accessible?

    Luckily, I am my own target audience. My target audience is teenagers looking to improve themselves, so I have a good understanding of what they want to hear. I also regularly ask my listeners for their thoughts on specific topics they want me to cover or guests they'd like me to bring on. I talk to friends who have similar mindsets about becoming the best version of themselves, and I always seek feedback on episodes—what people liked, what they thought could be better, and more. I'm constantly looking for ways to improve and develop the podcast to make it the best it can be.
  8. Can you discuss a particular episode or topic that was especially meaningful to you and why?

    I did an episode a few months back titled "Your Comfort Zone Will Kill You," which was very meaningful to me. I chose "uncomfortable" as my word of the year for 2024, and my family initially thought it was a negative word. But I explained that I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone because if you’re comfortable, you're not growing. This year, I’ve made an effort to do things that I would have thought were crazy a year ago. I competed in a pageant for the first time, became a signed working model, and did other things that were new to me. This episode was particularly important to me because it was about encouraging other teens to push themselves, try new things, and be open to new experiences and opportunities. 

  9. What role has mental health played in your own life, and how do you incorporate that experience into your work?

    Mental health is one of the main focuses of my podcast, so my own mental health plays a huge role in the topics I cover. Many episodes are inspired by my personal experiences. For example, I did an episode titled "Alone, But Not Lonely," inspired by how I learned to love my own company while living on the road. I’ve also done episodes on self-love, diet culture, and other aspects of life that stem from my experiences. These experiences greatly impact the content I put out, and they make the podcast more relatable and authentic.
  10. How do you overcome feelings of loneliness or isolation, both in your personal life and during your travels?

    It was a huge transition not being around my peers every day. I went to public school all my life before we started traveling full-time in 2022, so I was used to being around kids my age almost every day. It was tough because I’m so social, but I learned to love my own company, and I’m grateful for that experience. It taught me that being okay with being alone is incredibly freeing. It allows you to let go of negative relationships because you're not worried about being lonely—you know you have yourself. I started journaling, doing things I loved to do with friends by myself and found joy in my own company. It just takes practice to find what you enjoy doing alone.
  11. What advice would you give to other young women or teens who want to start their own projects or businesses?

    Just start. Don't wait or push it off because you don't think you're ready or good enough yet—you’ll never be fully ready. Your first podcast episode will probably be terrible, and your first ten might not be great. The sooner you start, the sooner you can grow and learn. Don't hold yourself back because you’re wasting time that could be spent progressing. Also, work on keeping promises to yourself. If you say you’re going to do something, do it—that’s how self-confidence grows.
  12. How do you maintain your own well-being while managing the demands of podcasting and running a business?

    I have two non-negotiable habits: journaling and reading every day before bed, no matter how late it is or how tired I am. I might only read two pages or journal for five minutes, but I always make time for these practices. They keep me grounded and help me maintain consistency. Another one of my favorite self-care practices is making social media a positive space to be. You have the power to curate what you see online. I only follow people who motivate, inspire, or educate me. We all get stuck scrolling sometimes but I want to know that the time I spend scrolling is fueling me not draining me.
  13. What lessons have you learned from the challenges you've faced, and how have they shaped your approach to your work?

    I’ve learned so much in the nearly two years of running my podcast and starting my business. One of the biggest lessons is that it's better to get it done than to make it perfect. Perfection doesn’t exist, and if you spend too much time editing or second-guessing, you’re procrastinating. Another lesson is not to take everything so seriously. It’s easy to get caught up in little things and think that one mistake will ruin everything, but most things aren’t as serious as they seem. If it’s not fun, there’s no reason to do it. If you can’t find the fun in what you're doing, it may not the right path for you.
  14. Can you share a success story from your podcast where a listener was positively impacted by your content?

    I’ve had amazing young women reach out and say they’ve had positive experiences from listening to my podcast, and it’s always amazing to hear that.  I’ve had people tell me they’ve worked up the courage to get out of their comfort zones, start new projects, work on themselves, or set and reach new goals because of episodes they’ve listened to. In the podcast world, it can be easy to get caught up in the analytics and comparison but knowing I’m making a difference combats that. It's incredibly rewarding to know that my content is having a positive impact.
  15. Looking ahead, what are your future goals for "Making Waves with Moanna Adams," and how do you plan to continue growing and evolving your platform?


    I have so many goals for the podcast. I definitely want to continue growing the community, and I'd love to bring on more teen business owners, authors, athletes, artists, models, and creators — anyone who's making waves in their fields — to share their stories and experiences. Eventually, I'd like to host live or in-person events to help teens connect with one another. It would be great to create a space where teens who are focused on becoming the best versions of themselves can meet, network, and support each other.

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Tessa Drysdale’s journey with ADHD has not only shaped her life but also ignited a passion for empowering others in the neurodiverse community. Through her work with Neurodiverse Empowerment, she helps people embrace their differences and thrive, believing that every individual, regardless of how their brain works, has the potential to achieve greatness. From managing personal challenges to building a supportive space for others, Tessa is a beacon of resilience and inspiration, showing that with the right tools and mindset, anyone can overcome obstacles and step into their power.

1. What inspired you to start Neurodiverse Empowerment?

I started neurodiverse empowerment being neurodiverse myself but also wanted to help other people becoming powered and step into their own power and thrive and not just survive in this life because I feel this world definitely isn't built for people when you are neurodiverse and I'd like to help people embrace their differences their brain differences and know that they can smash their goals and become they want to be in this life.

2. Can you share your personal journey with ADHD and how it has shaped your work?

My journey with diagnosed and shaped me to become a thinker of person through a lot that I've gone through ups and downs have made me realise how lucky I am now to be able to in the position that I'm in currently. I'd like to run retreats and some free workshops in the future as I feel the people that have come across my path have shaped me as you shaped you and I've been very lucky to meet people at the right time, I guess because I've been open to things and have that ADHD curiosity magic can happen even as an adult.

    3. How has stigma affected your experience with ADHD and your work in empowering others?

      Affected my work because there's a lot more awareness now in Australia the UK and America

      4. What do you think are the most significant gaps in support for women diagnosed with ADHD after 40?

        Significant gaps diagnosed with ADHD I would say would be lack of understanding hormones impact women and ADHD but also lack of funding lack of research lack of support in having sure the waitlist for women to see specialists and have access to affordable medication and psychiatric help.

        5. How do you address and combat the stigma associated with ADHD in your work?

          There's not really much stigma with ADHD in my work.

          6. Can you describe a moment when you felt particularly challenged or discouraged in your journey?

            Too many challenges and discouraged my journey to mention here ha ha ha ha but I think I had to think of something. It would be when I was diagnosed. ADHD wasn't a thing and woman anyway it was more in Little boys been diagnosed with ADHD so no one really knew what to do with me. haha

            7. What strategies or practices have you found helpful in managing ADHD and maintaining mental health?

              Mindfulness has been a key element of grounding myself in order to make sure that I'm able to manage my own mental health and ADHD using fidget fidget toys has also helped me a lot in managing my ADHD. It also helps my client who I coach for ADHD and autism, having these sorts of tools and places as well.

              8. How do you balance your personal experiences with ADHD with your role in supporting others?

                I think I've mashed your divine a line between Personal and professional when I was a therapist many years ago and it's a second nation to me so I've been able to balance my time and experience. I make sure that I have time on the weekend. I'm home on my ADHD.

                9. What has been the most rewarding aspect of running Neurodiverse Empowerment?

                  The most rewarding part would be in relation to seeing clients bribe and not survive and succeed especially clients that The diagnosed later on in life woman who just feel they going mad when actually not

                  10. How do you stay motivated and focused despite the challenges you face?

                    I have a dog and she keeps me motivating and focused my exercise quite a bit so that I can get through any challenges that my face exercise and moving is really good for ADHD as well. Encourage clients to do this.

                    11. Can you share any success stories or positive feedback you’ve received from the women you’ve helped?

                      There's lots of positive feedback and success stories on my website. I really encourage people to visit my website and learn a bit more about my body doubling and services and as I said earlier App will be out soon on android Apple Store.

                      12. What advice would you give to other women who are diagnosed with ADHD later in life and are struggling to find support?

                        The woman who diagnosed with ADHD later in life would be to never stop believing that you can achieve whatever you want to achieve and Google and support groups are wonderful through ADHD W.A. in Australia. Also there are American organisations who also around to support people with ADHD such as AADCA - documentation and magazines and awareness nowadays so I would recommend definitely going on Google find supports and letting your family and friends support you and making new friends who have ADHD is also encouraging because it makes you feel less alone

                        13. How do you envision the future of support for neurodiverse individuals, particularly women, evolving?

                          I think more awareness has been made about woman being diagnosed later in life so I think it's gonna evolve in that. Hopefully will be more funding for woman to access supports and medication around the world and less medication supply shortages and I also think employers and other people would make more accommodations for women maybe having longer time off, less full on work hours and better pay.

                          14. Are there any resources or tools you recommend for women with ADHD that you have found particularly helpful?

                            Resources which I have found very helpful and I’d recommend would be a timer (egg timer, pomodoro timer), helping people be more aware of their time blindness. Hopefully my newly ADHD app which people can subscribe to my newsletter website and post about when it will be released next month via Apple Store. Also, I find body doubling and corking environments quite useful as well which I run through lines a week because we've got that whole thing of with ADHD. We seem to get things done once someone else is doing the thing as well if House and your best friend put music on and listen to music and they clean the house as well much easier? There is honestly a heap of resources out there too many to list but people are welcome to email me and I'm happy to be in touch and make some suggestions.

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                            Dr. Dominique M. Carson is a powerful example of how passion and purpose can come together to create something truly meaningful. As a licensed massage therapist and advocate for wellness, Dominique's journey has been deeply influenced by family, faith, and a strong belief in the healing power of touch. Her latest project, the T.R.I.B.E. coloring book, is a reflection of her commitment to promoting self-care, education, and respect for the massage therapy profession. Through her work, Dominique envisions not only impacting children and families but also inspiring others to embrace their inner creativity and well-being.

                            1. What inspired you to create the T.R.I.B.E coloring book and solo book, and how do you envision it impacting children and families? 

                            Yes, I love massage therapy because I am in a stress-relieving profession and it's one of the oldest medical treatments since the beginning of time. Therefore, I believe the book can be an introductory statement for people to honor and respect the profession in the STEM & STEAM industry. (Science Tech, Engineering and Math, the A stands for Art). 

                            1. Can you share a personal story about how you developed an interest in massage techniques and respectful touch?  

                            My parents took me to the spa, Serenity in my hometown, NYC because they wanted to do something different for their children as far as self-care. After receiving my massage, I was so in love with the session and my adrenaline was at an ultimate high. However, I also thought I was going to be the receiver, not the provider and it's just going to be a part of my self-care regimen.  But, my beloved maternal grandmother, the late Eloise Estelle Grant told me I was going to have a secondary career utilizing my hands and they’re going to help people. I didn’t quite understand the magnitude of my grandmother’s visualizing my upcoming careers, but I trusted her judgment and wisdom. She didn’t live to see my dreams come into fruition, but her words became the blueprint to make my dreams into a reality. Although my massage journey started when I was 17, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. My mother, cousins Jacob and the late Hassan K.D Brown, and my beloved grandmother recognized the sturdiness and craftsmanship of my hands.

                            1. What challenges did you face while developing your coloring book and solo book, and how did you overcome them? 

                            I am still in the process of promoting the coloring book and taking pre orders until Halloween. It can be challenging at times because people may not always support your ideas and visions but there is always someone who will recognize your projects. Secondly, I realized your family and friends will not always be your audience. 

                            1. How do you balance your work on this project with your other professional and personal responsibilities?

                            Over the years, I would have to say I am able to balance my career but remind myself that I am one person; I am not an octopus. Once I became licensed as a massage therapist, I understood the profession can affect you in all realms so you must guard your heart, body, soul, and body. In my eyes, massage therapists are Wellness Athletes to the world so you must always deliver your best. Writing is the same way because I must be in a sharp and keen frame of my mind while I am writing. Lastly, music and comedy are my highs and it levels me especially when I am having a hard time writing or after a long day of massaging clients.

                            1. What role has mental health played in your journey as a creator and professional? 

                            Mental health has played a vast role in my journey especially as a massage therapist because in my opinion, LMT are Wellness Athletes and it's imperative that we deliver our best to clients at all times. And it can be difficult if you're self-harming, dehydrated, stressed, and sleep hygiene is deprived. Therefore, you must be in the right frame of mind in order to have effective results on the exterior. 

                            1. Can you describe a specific moment or experience that motivated you to pursue this creative project?  

                            I was motivated to work on a coloring book because I believe as an adult, it's my responsibility to keep my inner child alive and appreciate my imagination as an adult.  And I said why not create a coloring book after being a speaker and an awardee at the 2023 Author All Star Awards.  after speaking with graphic designer and Blu Impressions owner and founder, Lena Payton Webb about the coloring book. We were ecstatic because the coloring book can be a dope idea to generate additional income as a massage therapist and spread the message to families about the importance of respectful touch. 

                            1. How do you manage stress and maintain your well-being while working on your projects? 

                            I strive to manage stress while working on my projects by taking deep breaths, listening to music or some kind of noise because I couldn't work in silence from when I was a teenager, starting high school. Depending on my state of mind and mood, I may have a glass of wine while typing in my bedroom and great room, also known as the living room. 

                            1. What strategies or practices do you use to stay motivated and focused on your goals? 

                            I stay focused on my goals because I know distractions can deter you, therefore, I am inspired by the end goal. When it comes to my goals, I am in a tunnel vision mode and constant prayer so I can remain hopeful when life can be chaotic at times. When I need to take a breather, I know how to step away from the computer and participate in any self-care activities that are beneficial while I am working. When I am motivated, I am protecting the sacredness of my mind and work environment so I can complete my assignments in a reasonable time frame. 

                            1. How has your personal journey influenced the themes and messages in your coloring book and solo book? 

                            I'm still sorting out the themes in the book but we're going to have simple explanations of  massage techniques, customized portraits in the book, 11 body systems, breaking down the etymology of the word, massage, and so much more. However, the messages in the coloring book will be based on my love and fascination for the field and ongoing vigor for the profession on an everyday basis. 

                            1. What advice would you give to other women who are interested in starting their own creative projects or businesses?  

                            Don't beafraid to look weird and step out of the box, that I believed in my craftsmanship, write with accuracy, brevity, and clarity so you have a clean copy, and that it was imperative to take risks; you must be comfortable with being uncomfortable.  Don’t be afraid to change your priorities to match your opportunities and when you begin to understand your purpose in life, opportunities will knock at your door unexpectedly.

                            1. How do you handle setbacks or obstacles in your projects, and what keeps you going during challenging times?

                            I remembered actress/ television host Tamera Mowry acronym, for H.A.T.E.R.S. The exact phrase is Having Anger Towards Everyone Reaching Success and she is right. As you climb to the top, there is envy; it’s just a part of my life but you must find the inner strength to push through or it will weigh you down in the long run.  Mr. Anthony Lodico, former high school principal, explained to us the four A’s that are necessary as a student and outside of the classroom. At first, the speech was redundant because he would say these four A’s every school year; it was drilled in my brain. But, in the end it became a necessary tool for life. The 4 A’s are Accountability, Achievement, Attitude, and Attendance and you need these A’s to be a productive human being in your life. I’ve also learned how to use my anointed no like my mother hen, Crystal Mance would say because it means non-optional and you’re setting your boundaries and understanding that self-care is not selfish, it simply means me too, don’t count me out. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a requirement and everyone’s self-care is not the same, but it must be done to keep you sane.   I would say other setbacks in my life were just peaks and valleys in my life, but I overcame them with the help of my Heavenly Father, family, friends, and trusting my inner strength that I will find the silver lining. I remind myself at times that God knows more than me and He has the final say over my life.

                            1. Can you talk about a significant lesson you've learned through your creative process? 

                            Through my creative process, I've learned to trust in my capabilities more and simply enjoy the process. I have to trust the process, believe in the advantages of the product, and understand that authorship is a business, so you're embracing the word entrepreneurship, and more people are expressing themselves through coloring books since the pandemic. 

                            1. What impact do you hope your T.R.I.B.E project will have on children and families, and how do you measure that impact?  

                            I hope the T.R.I.B.E project will inform children and families about the benefits of massage therapy and touch. I hope they will take heed to the simple explanations or tips about different massage techniques and how it affects the 11 body systems. 

                            1. How do you ensure that your work remains authentic and true to your values? 

                            I ensure my work remains authentic by staying true to myself and reminding that dreams and blessings can be corrupted if your heart is malicious and egotistical, especially towards the people that've been there for you since the beginning. I believe real recognize real and the only way that people can keep it real is to be real 24/7, no exceptions.  You may slip and fall at times due to human nature, but if the inner you is working on yourself consistently, then you will have less difficulties of being true with one self. I also remind myself that blessings can be taken with a size of a teaspoon with false pretenses and masks will be presented to the forefront at some point and notoriety doesn't pay my bills. 

                            1. What are your future aspirations for your creative projects, and how do you plan to achieve them?

                            This summer, I was also featured in She Rises Studios Founder, Hannas Olivas’, Sassy, Classy, and Badassy Anthology. It was such an amazing opportunity because I was told from the time I was in middle school; I was a sassy nerd who wasn’t afraid to go after what she wants in life. I said to myself, “This is the book that describes my personality even in my 30’s.” I am excited about my upcoming speaking engagement at the 2nd Annual Black Massage Therapist Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina,as a virtual speaker in October. Although I am a virtual speaker, I am honored CEO/Founder of 4 Nineteen Education and host of the conference, Davonna Willis included me as a speaker so I will also be at. It is such a blessing because I wrote two years ago that I would be speaking at a massage therapy conference. Two years later, God answered my prayers. I am also releasing my first customized massage therapy coloring book, T.R.I.B.E (Trust Requires Integrity and Beauty Effortlessly) this fall. It’s going to be the introduction of my next solo book, and I am releasing another collaboration book, Voices of Change which will be promoted at the S.O.U.L retreat in Ghana this winter. I see my upcoming engagement and more down the line because I am spreading the message about wellness, massage therapy, being confident as a career professional, and just allowing God to continue to orchestrate the events in my life.

                            IG: @domcarson90

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