Tag: art

Q and A with Jamie from California, living in Dominican Republic

“Too many women have been conditioned to believe that their value is in how much they sacrifice.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I’m passionate about helping women reclaim their power, break free from burnout, and fully embrace their spiritual and creative selves.

Through my work with Hack Happiness, I guide women through transformational experiences, using mindfulness, movement, meditative art, and embodiment practices to help them step into their full potential.

This passion comes from my journey—years of pushing through corporate and startup life, constantly overworking, and feeling like I had to suppress parts of myself to fit into the mold of what was expected.

After experiencing severe burnout (and a health crisis that forced me to stop ignoring my body’s signals), I realized that true success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working in alignment with who you are.

Currently, I’m focused on building Hack Happiness into a thriving community and movement. I host retreats in the Dominican Republic, offer immersive coaching experiences, and lead monthly Sacred Circles, where women can reconnect with their inner wisdom and creativity.

I’m also developing tools like meditative art practices, transformational journaling prompts, and a guided coaching experience to support women in unlocking their power.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I grew up navigating the contrast between being deeply intuitive and spiritual while also being incredibly driven, ambitious, and analytical.

My upbringing was shaped by a mix of creativity, resilience, and a strong work ethic—I was the kind of kid who was always reading, creating, and helping everyone. I was always friends with the kids no one else played with. In high school, I hung out with all of the groups.

I got my start in sales and business development early on, which shaped my ability to see patterns, understand people’s needs, and build solutions. But I always felt this pull toward something deeper—something more aligned with purpose, transformation, and empowerment.

Through my personal and professional experiences, I realized that the best success stories are built on authenticity and self-trust, not just strategy and effort. That realization led me to create Hack Happiness—a space where women can finally drop the masks, embrace their full selves, and design a life that truly lights them up.

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

A: What is the most important lesson I’ve learned? Stop waiting for permission to be yourself.

For years, I felt like I had to tone myself down, be more “practical,” or fit into a mold that didn’t align with who I truly was. And it left me feeling exhausted, disconnected, and unfulfilled.

Now, I know that the more we embrace our true selves—our creativity, our spiritual depth, our unconventional paths—the more magnetic we become. Life flows differently when you stop hiding and start honoring who you are.

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: Your happiness, success, and fulfillment don’t come from following someone else’s blueprint. They come from crafting your own.

Q: What does feminism mean to you?

A: Feminism, to me, is about freedom, choice, and power. It’s about dismantling the belief that women have to play small, apologize for taking up space, or conform to outdated expectations.

It means honoring the full spectrum of who we are—our strength, softness, intuition, ambition, creativity, and leadership.

It’s also about breaking cycles of burnout and overgiving. Too many women have been conditioned to believe that their value is in how much they sacrifice. Feminism, in my view, is about choosing yourself, honoring your energy, and building a life that aligns with your truth—without guilt or shame.

MORE ABOUT JAMIE: One thing I’d love people to know is that reinvention is always possible. I’ve pivoted, evolved, and rebuilt my life more than once, and each time, I’ve come back stronger. You’re never too old, too far gone, or too stuck to start again. Your next chapter is waiting for you—you just need to decide to start over.

I’m originally from California, USA, but my heart, my house, my person and my dog are in the Dominican Republic, where I will host retreats and lead transformational experiences. I am hoping to get back home by April. 

Click here for the website. There is a fun archetype quiz there. I have an 8-day challenge coming up, starting on Mother’s Day!

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Q and A with Jeanie S. from Austintown, Ohio

“Anything can happen in a second...”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I’m passionate about saving women and children’s lives.

I found Damsel In Defense and knew right away that it’s where I need to serve. Currently, I am reaching out to women to do classes to educate them to stay safe, whether it be in person or online.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: Something horrible happened to a family neighbor when I was younger. That event impacts me to this day. I want to help ladies fight for their lives.

My husband was a detective, and I knew about the line of work he was doing. It just devastated me hearing about people being hurt and not having anything in their hands to be able to fight for their lives.

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

A: Anything can happen in a second in this world we are living in.

MORE ABOUT JEANIE: My education and products are for the “what ifs” in your life.

Thanks for reading!

Check out the Damsel in Defense website here.

Q and A with Shamara “Sugarbee” White from Prince George’s County, Maryland

“Confidence starts from within—when you truly believe in yourself, others will too.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I am honored to be the 2024 Jr. Miss North America, a title I proudly won at the International Pageant in Orlando, Florida.

Cheerleading has been a huge part of my life since I was six years old, and I love the energy, teamwork, and spirit it brings. I am also a dedicated member of my church’s dance team, where I express my faith and minister to others through Praise Dance.

Beyond performing, I have a deep passion for giving back to my community. I am the Founder and CEO of Sugarbee Cares Foundation, an organization that promotes confidence, wellness, kindness, and service. Through our initiatives, we empower young people and make a positive impact.

I am also excited to participate in the Global Youth Day of Service, a special opportunity for young leaders like me to take action and inspire others to give back.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I grew up as the youngest of four siblings, with two older sisters and one older brother. Family has always been an important part of my life.

My dad is someone I truly admire. He is a highly respected executive in the nonprofit world and has dedicated his career to helping others. I often hear people talk about the impact he’s made, and it inspires me to continue his legacy of service. Even though he’s busy, he always makes time for our family, teaching me the importance of kindness, humility, and hard work.

My mom is an incredible woman. As a program manager, she’s constantly involved in community organizations, always finding ways to help people. She pushes me to be my best, supports me in everything I do, and is, hands down, the best cook—no one can top her meals!

Their dedication to service and leadership has shaped who I am today.

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

A: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of believing in yourself.

When I was preparing for the international pageant in Florida, I tried different ways to present myself, but none of them felt right. It wasn’t until I embraced my true self that I realized the only way to stand out was by being authentic.

When answering questions, I could only give my answer—not someone else’s. And I had to be okay with that. Confidence starts from within—when you truly believe in yourself, others will too.

Q: What does feminism mean to you?

A: To me, feminism is about fairness and equality—making sure everyone is treated with respect, regardless of whether they are a boy or a girl.

It means speaking up when something isn’t right—like when girls aren’t taken as seriously as boys or when they’re treated differently just because of their gender.

I believe that I can do anything I set my mind to, and so can any girl. Feminism is about making sure everyone has that same opportunity.

MORE ABOUT SHAMARA: I’m from Prince George’s County, Maryland, and I love representing my community. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and excited about what’s ahead!

Q and A with Kathryn from Southampton, United Kingdom

“Taking care of yourself first isn’t selfish; it’s necessary to live authentically and build meaningful relationships that don’t require compromising who you truly are.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I’m passionate about living a life I truly love and helping others do the same. As a life coach and retreat host, I guide people to create lives they’re secretly dreaming of.

My journey into this work began after experiencing transformation at a wellness retreat in Thailand in 2016, which eventually led me to relocate there permanently.

I’m currently working online with clients who feel lost or questioning their happiness, helping them gain the confidence and clarity they need.

My passion for CrossFit continues to challenge me physically and mentally while connecting me with an incredible community. At the core, I’m passionate about exploring what brings genuine happiness and joy, and becoming the best version of myself…feeling good and energised, especially.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: Before the big shift in my life, I was caught in what felt like a hamster wheel of life.

I had a job in event management that I actually loved, but I was exhausted, pushing my body too hard, stuck in a long-term relationship that wasn’t right, and not prioritising myself.

I was comfortable but unfulfilled, saying yes when I wanted to say no, putting others’ needs before my own, and accepting less than I deserved.

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

A: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that life gets to be fun and easy…if it doesn’t, then something needs to shift.

I discovered the importance of setting unapologetic boundaries, embracing selfishness in order to be my best self, and ultimately stopping people-pleasing.

Taking care of yourself first isn’t selfish; it’s necessary to live authentically and build meaningful relationships that don’t require compromising who you truly are.

Making bold changes like leaving a comfortable job or moving across the world might seem scary, but they can lead to the life you’re secretly dreaming of.

Q: What does feminism mean to you?

A: Feminism to me means embracing our authenticity. It’s about creating space for everyone to show up as their true selves, without the constraints of gender expectations or societal pressures.

When we can all be authentic, expressing our genuine needs, setting boundaries, and living according to our own values rather than others’ expectations, we create a more equitable world.

My journey of personal transformation has shown me how powerful embracing authenticity can be, not just for women but for everyone.

MORE ABOUT KATHRYN: One thing I believe strongly is that each person’s path is unique because they are unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to happiness or success. What worked for me, taking a big leap out of my comfort zone, might look completely different for someone else. That’s why I approach coaching by helping people uncover what’s truly holding them back rather than prescribing a specific solution.

Thanks for reading!

https://www.kathrynamey.com/2025-retreat – My retreat in June!

https://kat-amey.myflodesk.com/masterclass – A free masterclass I am offering in April!

www.kathrynamey.com – My website!