“When you’re passionate about something, especially if it’s a good and meaningful pursuit, give it your all.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: My passion lies in helping business owners, agencies, and coaches succeed by designing websites and funnels that not only convert but also provide an excellent user experience. I specialize in creating mobile-friendly designs and integrating automated messaging systems that streamline communication and drive conversions effortlessly.
I discovered my passion when I realized that many businesses were struggling due to an inadequate online presence. From poor social media management to the lack of a functional platform to market their products or services, these challenges inspired me to step into the digital space. I committed myself to helping businesses thrive by creating strong, effective online presences.
I’m focused on improving my skills in web design, funnel creation, and automation to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. While AI is transforming the industry, I believe that combining AI with human expertise is the key to achieving exceptional results—better sales and higher conversions for businesses. I’m also dedicating time to personal growth and professional development to continue delivering value to my clients.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: Growing up, I had to keep up with something myself earlier on since my parents were often unavailable. This meant taking on responsibilities like cooking, washing my socks and underwear, and handling small chores around the house. While these may seem like simple tasks, they instilled in me a sense of responsibility and resilience. These experiences have shaped my work ethic and contributed significantly to my journey in the digital marketing business.
Currently, I’m an undergraduate pursuing my academic career while also helping businesses establish a strong online presence. My university experience has been eye-opening, teaching me that education extends far beyond the four walls of a classroom. It’s a blend of academic knowledge and real-world experiences that continues to shape my growth and aspirations.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in life is to take charge of your own journey early on because you can’t always rely on others to help you.
When you’re passionate about something especially if it’s a good and meaningful pursuit, give it your all. Invest your energy and effort to do it to the best of your ability.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism, to me, means that a woman should live in her own terms and not that of the rules made compulsorily and laid by man and to be followed by woman with a force. [It means] having the same equal right with the male gender and not being biased.
Q and A with Maria T., Entrepreneur Coach, Philippines
“True abundance isn’t about what you have. It’s how comfortable you arebeing you, doing you, and staying you.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I love making the impossible possible—turning “crazy ideas” into reality.
Born into an entrepreneurial, immigrant Chinese family, I was wired into the “work hard, stay in your place, be practical” mentality.
Pictured: We had the “work hard” mentality, but humor was a big part of our lives! Here I am in my early twenties with my parents and siblings.
Anything outside the norm wasn’t accepted, and everything that had to do with dreaming differently wasn’t encouraged. Hobbies, passions, interests that didn’t result in direct payout/profit were kept as such. Little effort would be put into something “frivolous” like playing the piano or theater arts. As a result, I grew up with such a scarcity mindset and lots of self-limiting beliefs.
What’s curious though, I inherited my ancestors’ entrepreneurial skills and was making money from the age of 6 by buying and selling stationery and confectionary items, dried foods, and other things I could sell. Later, I was selling my services as a teacher and consultant. For someone so “young,” I had my choice of clients and was paid above the market rate.
Pictured: Me facilitating a communications workshop in Taipei, Taiwan.
But I felt something was missing. I needed to BE MORE and think beyond what to sell next and how to make more money. I talked to my mom about the meaning of life and she pretty much dismissed my question as something frivolous and overreaching. I can’t blame her though—she comes from a generation where having a white picket fence was the dream). After that talk, I went even deeper into depression. I was living my life void of any life. I would go from one task to the next and have no memory of doing so.
I was honestly contemplating to end my life, but something in me said: “I can’t give up on myself—life has got to be better than this.” I went full-on into exploring my spiritual gifts and somehow I embraced being an empath. When I talked to people, I just knew which buttons to push to help them talk about what really mattered to them. Today, I am able to combine that spiritual gift with my talent in teaching, consulting, and seeing the big picture.
I now coach “Misfits,” aka people who feel like they can’t conform to the norm and what’s expected of them, to turn their “deepest desires” and “crazy impossible dream” into reality. I help elevate their lives by guiding them in creating an eco-system around who they are and what they offer.
Q: What is something valuable you’ve learned that you’d like others to know?
A: True abundance isn’t about what you have. It’s how comfortable you are being you, doing you, and staying you.
I’ve made money from an extremely young age. In fact, making money comes easy to me because I’m good with people and I can sell lots of things. When I was selling my products and services to anyone who wanted to buy, I was working day and night. The money came in fast. But my scarcity mindset back then simply drove me to doing more and feeling disconnected with the part of me that knew I was meant for more.
I couldn’t enjoy the money I made and was so concerned about how other people saw me and my means. I made monetary decisions out of the fear that people would look down on me and think I couldn’t afford something. What should be a blessing became a burden. Only after I embraced my spiritual self and embodied a more abundant state of being did I fully appreciate life and find joy in my existence.
This may sound like a cliche, but the moment you embrace the totality of who you are, the money will come anyway. So be you, stay you, do you. There is no one like you and the moment you appreciate that about you, the rest of the world will!
Pictured: This was a big milestone in my life. Since 2013, I sat on different boards and committees of non-profit organizations (Rotary Club and the International Women’s Club). But nothing brought me more honor than being part of an education foundation in 2018. I was a recipient of scholarship since I was 11 until about my college years. To be part of this education foundation was me paying it forward.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: I was actually brought up in a matriarchal society. Even within my extended families, women are held in high regard. In fact, women can be so strong and as capable as the men in my family, but they wouldn’t be dressed down for “failure” as a male would.
When I left my home country (the Philippines) to pursue my tertiary education is when I saw the favorable treatment to men. I was harassed by a male professor and when I asked an administrator where I could file a complaint, I was strongly suggested not to. The reason was simply “You’re female and you’re from the Philippines. In this country, people listen to males, especially those that came from a developed country.”
I never felt more violated than the moment I heard that. And I vowed since then never to let my nationality or my gender get in the way of empowerment. Feminism, for me, isn’t about equal rights. It’s about mutual respect and compassion. That country had “equal rights” but the societal beliefs then were programmed against women.
The way I was brought up, women are heard. When a woman isn’t happy, the entire family walks on eggshells. Women are loved for being caring and nurturing, for thinking of everyone’s needs, and for being non-linear in their thinking. Women are respected because they make life easier.
That, for me, is feminism.
Connect with me! I’d love to chat with you!
Maria Tan is an Entrepreneur Coach for Misfits (people who don’t like to conform to the norm), Multipassionates (people who are extremely multifaceted and multitalented), and Millennials (people born between 1981-1996). She helps her clients create an eco-system around who they are and what they offer. She’s taught more than 1000 people from all over the world! Connect with her on her website (www.maria-tan.com).
“Never let a mistake or what you see as failure to stay with you for life. Live, learn, and move forward.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: My passion and work is to assist rescue dogs and families with dog problems. Sharing my knowledge and wealth of experience hopefully keeps more dogs out of the shelter, where their fate is not always a good one.
I started assisting caregivers and then moved to dogs. When I started focusing on dogs, some people were surprised. Many were not. Fostering and having a rescue dog showed me how much dogs need help, especially shelter and rescue dogs.
I have been involved with many rescues, including fostering and sheltering. [“Fostering” means to provide a home-like environment in one’s residence, with the goal of reuniting the dog with their family or finding a permanent home later. “Sheltering” means providing basic care in a designated facility.]
Each experience taught me so much, as well as the mentors I met along the journey. Mentoring is important to me to keep dogs in a home and not dumped. My work includes helping owners learn to understand their dog as well as their dog’s nutrition needs. Each person has their own plan; we work together so that all are happy in a home. Along the way, I want to share with others how rescues are amazing dogs to have in a home.
This is Bandit. I rescued him at five weeks old. He is the one who got me involved to be the voice for dogs. We lost him in March 2024. He motivates me to help even more.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: Growing up, I danced in a competition company as well as taught younger children how to dance. Doing this really taught me discipline to put the work in; you will not only improve, yet be able to do your passion as your career. I attended college to be a pre-k teacher. Sadly, teaching was not my thing, and I did not teach for more than three years.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: We all will make mistakes along our journey. Learn from them improve and move on. Never let a mistake or what you see as failure to stay with you for life. Live, learn, and move forward.
Q and A with Leana from Chicago, Illinois, living in the Washington D.C. Metro Area
“As a wife, mom, and professional, I’ve had to navigate a lot, but staying grounded in what truly matters—my family, my faith, and making a positive impact—has kept me thriving. There’s so much peace and empowerment in choosing to grow intentionally rather than rushing to ‘have it all.’”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m passionate about living with intention and creating a positive impact in everything I do. My interests center around wellness, culinary, creativity, and connection—whether that’s through practicing Pilates and yoga, creating innovative marketing strategies, or cooking flavorful meals with healthy ingredients.
I discovered my passion for wellness over a decade ago when I started yoga and Pilates. What began as a way to stay fit and combat anxiety evolved into a deeper appreciation for how movement can bring mental clarity and emotional peace. This passion for balance and growth extends into my professional life as well.
I own and run Xenful Marketing, a boutique digital marketing and communications agency. It’s built it on values like integrity, creativity, and stellar customer service. My work allows me to collaborate with small businesses and nonprofits, helping them turn their goals into realities. Seeing my clients’ visions come to fruition is incredibly fulfilling.
I also own Xenful Kitchen (formerly Love, Food. Caters), where I create and sell low- to no-salt and low- to no-sugar spices and herbs. This ties in perfectly with my love for cooking and creating dishes that are healthy with dynamic flavor—something that became even more important to me as a mom. My cooking style and the flavors I like to play with has been called “tropical soul” by most of my clients.
Right now, I’m focused on growing both businesses while creating systems that give me time for my family and my own well-being. Personally, I’m working on habit-building systems for goal-setting and helping my toddler transition into her next developmental stage. Everything I do comes back to building a life that feels authentic and inspiring—for myself, my family, and the people I serve.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: Being the only child to my parents, I was always busy with activities like gymnastics, dance, volunteering, etc. Growing up, I was surrounded by a strong sense of community and family values that really shaped who I am today. I’m forever grateful to my parents for raising me that way. The cultures of my family and beliefs played a huge role in my upbringing, teaching me the importance of resilience, community, and love for others.
Education was always emphasized as a way to open doors, and I embraced it wholeheartedly throughout college and even now. I worked hard in school and participated in activities that challenged and pushed me creatively and academically. Currently, I often take courses to continue my education in my respective fields and industries so that I can ensure that my knowledge is fresh and up to date as things change so swiftly.
I’ve always been a curious, inquisitive, and determined person, which led me to explore my passions early on. I was heavily drawn to dance, culinary experiences, full creativity, and expressing myself—skills that are central to my core and drive me as a culinary aficionado and digital marketing and communications professional. My family encouraged me to dream big and stay grounded, which instilled in me a strong work ethic and a love for helping others succeed.
One of the most impactful parts of my younger years was my introduction to yoga and Pilates. I started practicing over a decade ago, and it became a way for me to find balance, peace, and strength—mentally, physically and emotionally. That practice has carried into my adult life and influences how I approach challenges with mindfulness and intention. In fact, I continued practicing Pilates throughout my pregnancy until two days before giving birth! Overall, my upbringing taught me to value integrity, continuous improvement, and showing up for others. Those lessons remain at the core of everything I do as a mother, wife, or professional.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Something valuable I’ve learned is the power of integrity and intentionality in everything you do—whether in business, relationships, or personal growth. I’ve discovered that success isn’t just about reaching goals; it’s about the values you uphold along the way. Showing up with authenticity, prioritizing continuous improvement, and genuinely serving others create deeper, more fulfilling results.
From my story, I’d like others to learn that balance is achievable when you align your work, passions, and purpose. As a wife, mom, and professional, I’ve had to navigate a lot, but staying grounded in what truly matters—my family, my faith, and making a positive impact—has kept me thriving. There’s so much peace and empowerment in choosing to grow intentionally rather than rushing to “have it all.”
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism, to me, is about equality, empowerment, and the freedom for women to live life on their own terms – not terms built by men. It’s not about superiority; it’s about ensuring that women have access to the same opportunities, respect, and autonomy as men.
More so, it means honoring the strength and resilience of the women who’ve come before me, breaking barriers so that my daughter grows up in a world where her voice is valued and her potential is limitless.
Feminism is also about standing against injustice, creating inclusive spaces, and making intentional choices that uplift others. It’s ensuring that women—especially women of color—are heard, respected, and given the tools they need to thrive. For me, it’s about living and working with integrity, love, and progress for all women.
We’re starting 2025 the right way! We’ve selected some of the best words of wisdom from a few of our past featured women from the 2024 Woman Wednesdays. Happy New Year, everyone! Let’s do our best to make it the best year yet!
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Lyudmyla from Ukraine says: “You’re one of a kind. Embrace everything that makes you, you. Your quirks, your dreams—they’re what make you special. Fear is okay; it’s a sign you’re growing. Don’t shy away from challenges; they’re stepping stones to something amazing. Be brave. Be you. Don’t follow the crowd if it doesn’t feel right. Be brave enough to be yourself, and amazing things will follow. You’ve got this! Your journey is yours, and it’s going to be amazing.” Read full article here.
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Iesha from Delaware, United States, says: “What I have learned through my journey through life is that as you keep going, you will come through on the other side and there’s life after.” Read full article here.
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Shannon from California, United States, says: “It’s a common assumption these days to feel burnt out and say you need to take a vacation. Or go to the spa, or go shopping, or treat yourself, or to do something relaxing. While traveling and these other things do help with self-discovery, they don’t help with healing, reprogramming the subconscious, or unlocking potential! Not to mention, there’s a whole world of self-development and spirituality accessible to us. Things like manifesting can be fun and life-changing!” Read full article here.
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Michelle from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, says: “Take chances and make mistakes! Lots of them. If you really feel for something, do it! Do it no matter how unlikely it may seem. Unlikely things can happen all the time. And like I tell my children every day: ‘You do you! Do not care about what others think.’ It’s our daily mantra. I wish someone had been whispering or shouting this in my ear when I was young and naive.” Read full article here.
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Philomena from Dublin, Ireland, says: “Once I got into personal development, things started shifting. I learned that I wasn’t powerless, and I didn’t have to wait around for life to change. I could take control of the narrative and create the life I actually wanted. It’s funny because once you start working on yourself, you realize just how much power you’ve been giving away. And here’s the thing: it’s not some overnight, magical transformation. It’s daily work.” Read full article here.
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Ginny from Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, says: “One of the main things I would say to people is to trust your own intuition; it is your compass that will help you through life, keeping you safe and leading you on your true path. I believe every one of us has a mission here, to be kind, compassionate, and to treat others how we would like to be treated ourselves. Once all of humanity starts to live like this, we will truly create the new earth. It is our destiny to make this world a better place for our children and grandchildren.” Read full article here.
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Valencia from Maryland, United States, says: “I’ve embraced the principle of trusting the process and resisting external pressures to conform to someone else’s expectations. Early on, I recognized that I may not resonate with everyone, and I’ve come to accept that as a natural part of life. Embracing my authentic self has become a paramount aspect of my identity, and I navigate life with the unwavering confidence to be true to who I am without hesitation.” Read full article here.
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Archie from Baguio City,Philippines, says: “One of the most valuable lessons life has taught me is the transformative power of resilience. In the face of adversity, it’s our ability to bounce back, learn, and adapt that defines our journey. Growing up in challenging circumstances, facing financial hardships, and the loss of my mother at a young age, I learned firsthand the importance of resilience. It’s not about avoiding difficulties but about navigating through them with determination and a positive mindset. I’d like others to understand that setbacks are not the end of the road but rather opportunities for growth. Every obstacle, every tough moment, is a chance to discover your inner strength and capabilities. Embracing challenges, rather than fearing them, can lead to personal and professional breakthroughs.” Read full article here.
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Maria from Bogota, Colombia, says: “I feel like the most valuable tool I have and what has helped me the most has been prayer/meditation. Being able to ask for divine guidance and really taking the time to listen will help you take the steps needed that are in alignment with your true purpose.”
“Remembering that we all put our pants the same way in the morning keeps me humble and grounded; it allows me to expand from a more authentic and empathic place, and to really take the time to listen to others…sometimes it’s important. To be of service is important. Walking without judgment is growth. Everyone is their own world, and oftentimes, we forget people are fighting battles we don’t know about. Being kind is important. A life of service is a life well-lived.” Read full article here.
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Dr. Satabdi from Assam, India, says: “Some life lessons that I learned: (a) Make yourself necessary and you will be needed. (b) Listen to advice from others, but never let others make decisions on your behalf. (c) Accept what you are, acknowledge your deficiencies, and try to be better. But never become someone else to gain acceptance in society as such fame is short-lived. (d) Never play the role of a victim; wake up and fight back. To fight back is the demand of the universe, even though people may call you the villain.” Read full article here.
Tune in every Wednesday to read about a new featured woman!
The Woman Wednesday Blog 