Woman Wednesday: Lauren T.


Q and A with Lauren T., Milford, CT

You deserve to have happiness. Sometimes, that may mean facing pain to make it to the other side of the rainbow.”


Q: What are you passionate about? 

A: I love reading, traveling, learning about mindset, being with my dog, trying new recipes, and also being with my family and my partner. Walks on the beach or gazing at the stars has always fascinated me. I like adventures as much as I like quiet nights at home curled up on the couch and watching a suspenseful film (preferably with my own bowl of popcorn!). I am passionate about writing, which is what I am currently working on. I used to do affiliate marketing within the health and wellness field. However, I found myself dissatisfied. I knew I had a higher calling, so I hired a purpose development coach to help formulate my purpose (which ties into my upbringing).


Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I grew up as the middle child in my family. I often felt unnoticed between my older sister and younger brother. I suppose it did not help that he was born exactly on my 5th birthday. Having to share my birthday led to bitterness and a sense that maybe I didn’t deserve a day all about me. My parents often fought and I acted as a mediator. However, that often backfired as no one took me seriously. School was very challenging because I was extremely shy. It was difficult to make friends, and the “cool” kids would sometimes make fun of me (my mom used to cut my bangs and did a horrible job…). I turned to focusing on my appearance. That I could control. I felt unloved on the inside and was desperate for attention. My life forever changed when I was 14 years old. I was hospitalized for depression and anorexia. But what really transformed my life was when a nurse came wheeling over an old book cart. Instead of handing me a book, she handed me a journal. And so, I wrote away my pain, shared my deepest secrets. I spilled my heart onto paper. It opened up a portal where I could give my heart a voice. Little did I know how big that portal would become. After I was released home, I continued journaling. I began writing inspirational messages and poems to others. I loved being a gateway to their soul where I could bring joy and self reflection. 21 years later, I’ve held on to the same dream, which is helping others express themselves through writing…to serve how I serve best, which is through pen and paper.


Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: You can conquer limiting beliefs. Hang in there because you are strong, beautiful, and powerful. I believe in you. I found myself in a mentally abusive relationship for 6 years that turned into a marriage. I didn’t think I was worthy of someone, something better. I was made to feel so low that it seemed like I truly would never find happiness. It took one person to plant the seed, “Why can’t you be happy?” That thought ate away at me, and it was like I began seeing my life and relationship with a different lens. One day, I asked for a divorce, unplanned, but something inside me was screaming it. Never forget you are in control of your life. You deserve to have happiness. Sometimes, that may mean facing pain to make it to the other side of the rainbow.


Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: Seeking compassion and collaboration instead of comparison. Standing up for yourself and knowing your self-worth despite anything else. We (us fellow women) are all super unique and strong.


MORE FROM LAUREN: I left my job that treated me disrespectfully and I would not let it compromise my values. So, here I am, full-time creative copywriter coach.





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Woman Wednesday: Bruna


Q and A with Bruna from São Paulo, Brazil, living in Hungary

“There is no problem impossible to overcome if you have the will and faith in yourself to start.”


Q: What are you passionate about? 

A: I am passionate about self-growth and everything around healing. In the past two years, I have been in a huge transition of careers from doing something just for the money and fame to living my actual passion, which is to serve people. My way of serving people is by helping people to overcome their deeper issues, traumas, and fears through self-healing techniques and applying my spiritual and science knowledge as well. The work I do as a holistic intimacy coach involves quantum physics application, chakra balancing, EFT tapping, and Ho’ oponopono, as well as work as a private and in group yoga instructor of ashtanga, vinyasa, and nude yoga.


Q: What were your younger years like?

A: From a child, I was always fascinated by different cultures, religions, and beliefs; I was very curious about it all. It was what made me become an avid reader and explorer. I believe it had a huge impact in my adult life because I made many decisions based on living and experiencing those things that I read about. As well, it made me so empathetic to people’s pains and struggles, and I knew I would become a great asset to someone that needed some assistance to overcome a difficult time, in a short term, and in an effective way.


Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: I would love for people to learn that you can get whatever you want on your own terms…without having to make yourself less or smaller for it. And there is no problem impossible to overcome if you have the will and faith in yourself to start.


Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: Feminism means we are one; we are exactly the same. The legal system and the society have no say on how a person should live based on their gender or their color. We came from one source, and we are all gonna go back to it. So there are no privileges in the energetic field, so why should us ordinary humans try to make them up?


MORE FROM BRUNA: The reason why I decided to follow my passion of serving people as an intimacy coach and yoga teacher is because I suffered a lot from empty casual intercourses. Where I had the thought that I was using man or he was using me, and it was painful, detrimental; it made me live a very superficial, empty life. My “lucky,” was that I learned all the tools, specially EFT tapping, which I needed to protect my mind and soul after a very abusive relationship that left me in physically damaged and with years of anxiety, PTSD, and a huge hole in my heart.





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Woman Wednesday: Brenna R.


Q and A with Brenna R., Minneapolis, Minnesota

“…when you have a “why” that’s greater than yourself, you will do anything to see it succeed.”


Q: What are you passionate about? 

A: I’m passionate about helping pregnant women and new mamas journey confidently into motherhood. That’s why I started my blog, WhatAboutMamas.com. There, I share everything I dig up from women’s health and wellness experts on the end of pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. I also am sharing my REAL journey as a new mom so other women don’t feel so alone. Especially when comparing themselves to the Instagram models who live in perfect, clean houses.


Along with my website, I am planning a series of motherhood self-care retreats in Minneapolis. The first one will be in October of 2021. Women are flying in from around the country to join the event. But it’s also going to be a great way to connect as a local community. Anyone who is a mom knows how isolating the experience can be and how hard it is to prioritize me-time and meeting your own needs at times. This event is giving current and future moms that excuse to get out of the house and meet other women who understand their experience. There will be plenty of pampering involved, too!

My last project is a self-paced online video course I’m developing for pregnant women and new mothers called Journey Confidently Into Motherhood. It will cover all the topics about the postpartum period I wish I knew about before I became a mom. As women, we spend so much time working on the baby registry and preparing for labor, we forget to prepare ourselves for the 4th trimester. And the ironic part is, that’s when women need the most support and resources of all. So this course aims to arm women with everything they need from mental health support to understanding their physical recovery, mom guilt, and so much more. 


Q: What were your younger years like?

A: It’s funny because I come from a family of entrepreneurs, yet I never wanted to be one myself. I saw both my parents working so hard and such long hours, I never wanted that for my life. But now that I found something I’m so passionate about, I understand why. I have worked in advertising as a professional writer for almost 10 years and I run the blog on nights and weekends, so it’s a lot. But when you have a “why” that’s greater than yourself, you will do anything to see it succeed.


Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: I’ve learned a lot in the past year about how to prioritize my own needs as a mother. Even though you still have the same number of hours in the day and way more to do once you become a mom, you still have all the same wants and needs as you did before. So, something has to give. The sooner you accept the fact that your house isn’t going to be neat and clean all the time, or you aren’t always going to have the energy to prepare three home-cooked meals a day, the better off you’ll be.

I also want women to know your body will physically change during the process of pregnancy and childbirth and that is ok! Instead of posting “bounce back” pix on Instagram, we need to normalize this natural and beautiful evolution of our bodies, while celebrating their power and strength.


Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: True, real gender equality. I hate the phrase “girl/lady boss.” Let’s just say boss. I’d much rather just be a badass woman than have a parade about out the fact that I’m badass woman like that’s supposed to be unique or special. All women are badasses.

I do believe women are finally learning to support each other more versus competing and tearing each other down with judgement. And that makes me happy.


MORE FROM BRENNA: Feel free to follow me on Instagram or Facebook, to stay up to date with the latest developments for What About Mamas! 

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Woman Wednesday: Rachel


Q and A with Rachel, Atlanta, Georgia

“When you learn to manage your mind, you can do anything!”


Q: What are you passionate about? 

A: I’m passionate about being authentic, showing up as myself, and sharing that with people. I love showing people how to use their own authenticity in business. It’s what I believe to be the secret to success. Overcoming all the limiting beliefs that are keeping people from showing up as their authentic self! I’m also passionate about meditation and learning. It’s how we keep a balanced life filled with purpose and excitement. I’m currently working on helping entrepreneurs build and scale their businesses so they can help their people in powerful ways!


Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I grew up in the DC-metro area. I was one of a handful of Jewish kids and struggled with feeling like I didn’t fit in. I went to Syracuse for my undergrad education and NYU for grad school. I studied social work and have always wanted to help others. I burnt out quickly in social work and broke into the fitness world. I started my first business at age 24, as a private 1:1 trainer. In 2010, I opened my first yoga studio, and opened my second in 2014. All of these experiences have led me to where I am today, helping others with their businesses.


Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: The most valuable thing I have learned is the power of your thoughts. How they create every result you have. That when you learn to manage your mind, you can do anything!


Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: Feminism is standing for women’s rights and women leaders. Showing up as an example for other women.


MORE FROM RACHEL: I currently live in Atlanta, Georgia, with my two kids and three stepkids and my amazing husband.

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Woman Wednesday: Jemma


Q and A with Jemma, Essex, UK

“To fail simply means, to me, first attempt in learning.”


Q: What are you passionate about? 

A: I have found myself with a great passion for the beauty industry and making others feel more confident in themselves. Especially with semipermanent makeup for the ladies who have lost their eyebrows over time; some of the reactions after treatment truly are amazing and make it worth while. During the pandemic and my business being hit drastically, I then started a few other projects to keep myself busy, but to also connect with other women. I started a Facebook group for women wanting to grow in their careers or run their own business to connect and network. There are a few groups online already; however, I found them filled with a lot of spam and very hard to find value in most of the posts. So, I set out to fill the group with educational posts. My aim was to inspire, motivate, and educate. Around this same idea, I have also cowritten a book, which is due to release in May/June [soon!]. Me and my team want to release a series of books aimed toward women in business. This first one is to help women grow their leadership skills. I am so excited for its launch; I really can’t wait for others to read it.


Q: What were your younger years like?

A: Growing up, I was always fairly good at school; I tested well and I never failed any class, but I knew I lacked the motivation to continue with academic education. I always knew deep down I needed to work for myself, but the ’system’ always wanted the student to go to university/college and aim toward an academic education. I went back to education a little later in life, around 23 years old. I did open university, which is online based, to pursue a psychology degree; however, I again dropped out after the first year knowing it wasn’t for me. I couldn’t see a future in working for anyone else. Which then whilst working part-time in a job I hated, I stumbled into beauty treatments, which made me money fast, and I loved my clients. I’m lucky to call many of them friends now. I found a passion in making them feel great. Which makes me feel valued.


Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: After speaking to many many women, one of the main topics was they are scared of failure. Which really upsets me! As children, we are always finding our way and never get it right the first time! Why is it we’re expected now as adults to be perfect [the] first time. We never stop learning, which means we will never stop making mistakes! Some of my biggest breakthroughs were learning from mistakes! We throw around the saying “learn from your mistakes,” but I don’t think people truly resonate with this. To fail simply means, to me, first attempt in learning.


Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: I want equality for women in business. Only 7% of CEOs are women. Only 17% of the new businesses set up in 2019 were by women. Now, a lot of this can be reasoned to the inequality and subconscious biased that still exists against women, but it is also the consequences from the years of inequality women have had to face; most of us have lost the confidence. So, I want to bring back that confidence for women. I think the pandemic has been profound for women who work full-time office-based jobs, since they were able to prove they can work effectively from home. Which I think is incredible that now, finally, women are able to maybe manage that work/family life more and keep their careers instead of having to step down from their positions to start a family.


MORE FROM JEMMA: I love collaborating with other women and do believe that we need to work together if anyone resonates with this also, you can find me on:

Facebook

Insta

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