Q and A with Candy S. from Charlottesville, Virginia
“I believe in the power of positive thinking and the best way to learn is by doing.“
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am passionate about mental health awareness and sharing my expertise in creative writing, business development, and public speaking to inspire others to achieve their dreams.
A: I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the youngest of four siblings, and have dealt with ADHD, PTSD, and visual dyslexia. Throughout my childhood, I experienced firsthand the trauma of living with an alcoholic father, narcissistic mother, and bullying.
I attended the University of Maryland in College Park at the age of 16. I hold a bachelor of arts in radio, TV, and film; and a double minor in journalism and theater.
During college, I interned at the local TV station in Washington, D.C., and launched a 10-year career in broadcast news. I have been a producer, writer, and video editor as well as magazine publisher.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I believe in the power of positive thinking and the best way to learn is by doing.
There is no substitute for hands-on experience.
I believe the best work comes from collaboration and the ability to listen and learn from others.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: The short answer is that feminism, to me, is about equal rights and equal pay.
MORE ABOUT CANDY: When I am not working on my podcast and upcoming book on narcissism, I enjoy spending time with my adopted dog and cat, playing tennis, home remodeling, and photography.
Q and A with Jocelynn Mitchell from Hill Country, Texas
“You are never too young or too old to pursue your dream!”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m passionate about helping people! Through whatever means I can I want to help others. I’ve always wanted to be a doctor when I grow up to pursue this passion.
A: I have amazing supportive parents who have always taught me to help others. They have always been so supportive of everything I do, and I owe it all to them!
My mom has homeschooled me from the time I was six, and I could not have done everything I’ve accomplished in life without her and the opportunities she’s provided me.
I also love Taekwondo, I recently got my purple belt! I have amazing instructors who have helped me grow as a person and find so much passion and confidence in what I do.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I’ve learned that it is possible to make your dreams happen! I never imagined that I would be where I am today, but here I am, 15 years old with four published books! I want others to learn to believe in themselves because, if you put your mind to it, you can do it.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism to me means supporting other women. I’ve had the privilege of knowing so many other female entrepreneurs who balance being a mom with their business, or going through school full time. Their stories are so inspiring and it’s amazing to see how much grit they have!
MORE ABOUT JOCELYNN: I am a sophomore in high school, with four published books in The Book of Ellie series. I started writing when I was eleven. I am a purple belt in Taekwondo, which has taught me hard work and perseverance pays off! I love spending time with my friends and family, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them! I hope to inspire other young people wanting to write or start a business, because truly, if I can do it, so can you! You are never too young or too old to pursue your dream!
Q and A with Alicia Mitchell from Hill Country, Texas
“Even if you get a degree and don’t use it, there’s value in learning in any area of study!”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am a Christian, wife, and mom! Those are my main passions, and I love my family very much! I have been blessed to homeschool our daughter, Jocelynn Mitchell.
My daughter is currently 15, and I am embracing being 40! Although she is an only child, she is a social butterfly, and I’ve always made sure she had lots of hang out opportunities with friends and other kids at group activities and homeschool co-op classes. Since I’ve had the privilege of spending quality time with her all these years while watching her grow and learn, I’ve been able to help her explore her passions through educational and creative opportunities.
One of those passions and natural talents she exhibited from a young age was creative writing! She loved to tell and act out stories. And I enjoyed being her captive audience! When she was 11, she wrote a book about our crazy pug, Ellie. Having an art and design degree, I was able to illustrate and design the book. Together, we sell them at local markets and on Amazon!
A: I am so thankful to have good parents! My mom and I were close, and she was always there for me, emotionally, when I needed a pep talk or advice with a situation. She and my grandma (her mom) taught me about God and the Bible. I’m so grateful for their love, prayers, and guidance!
I accepted Jesus as my savior at a young age, and have grown deeper in my spiritual knowledge of the Bible and my relationship with the Lord as I’ve aged.
During college, I earned an advertising and graphic design bachelor’s degree. I had a variety of internships and jobs that resulted during and after college from those skills acquired in my degree. And that knowledge definitely helped when I designed and illustrated The Book of Ellie series.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: No education is wasted! Even if you get a degree and don’t use it, there’s value in learning in any area of study!
Also, if you are a mom and have wondered if you could successfully homeschool your kid(s)—you can! (It looks different for each family, and there are so many helpful resources and groups out there nowadays! Remember that you know your child better than anyone else and are their best advocate! You will also create memories and family bonds because of the extra time spent together.)
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: I think of the way God created women, and how we are different physically and emotionally than men. We can nurture, help, and listen. Everyone needs those things to survive and thrive!
MORE ABOUT ALICIA: In my free time, I enjoy putting together jigsaw puzzles. I love to sing. I also enjoy nature walks and being out in the sunshine, if it’s not too hot!
“…have that positive mindset that everything is going to work out well…”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am a hair stylist, and I work from home now. I work in hair dressing, ventilation [the process of attaching individual hairs to a wig cap to create a wig], and specializing in wigs. I am also a university student at the National Open University of Nigeria in Lagos, Nigeria.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I have always loved fashion since I was a small child. I love to see someone dress nice, put on good clothes, and have very nice hair. I have always had this passion of owning my own store or salon.
I grew up in a poor family in Nigeria because my parents are farmers, and we barely had enough to eat, but my dad always made sure he sent us to school—no matter the condition. That’s my main reason of wanting to uplift my family. Also, I don’t want my children to grow up in the kind of environment I grew up in, so my dad managed to train me till I finished my secondary school.
Then after secondary school, I went and acquired a skill in hair dressing, ventilation [the process of attaching individual hairs to a wig cap to create a wig], and specializing in wigs. But to God be the glory, I am now a final year student in the National Open University of Nigeria in Lagos, Nigeria.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I would like others to always have that positive mindset that everything is going to work out well—no matter the condition you find yourself in—only if you’re determined to change your story.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: I really believe that women are naturally gifted with so many strengths and the heart of undying love. And if you believe in yourself, you will make it. Definitely.
Q and A with Kristen Z. from New Jersey, United States
“…when we align our actions with what genuinely matters to us, we create a life that feels good, not just one that looks good on paper.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m passionate about empowering professionals to reclaim their energy and well-being. After over 20 years in corporate marketing and human resources, I’ve witnessed how stress and burnout can drain even the most driven individuals—but I also know it doesn’t have to be this way.
As a certified yoga instructor and energy management consultant, I blend corporate experience with holistic practices to help busy professionals create sustainable habits that nourish both their personal and professional lives.
My mission is to help others shift from merely surviving to truly thriving—because when we manage our energy wisely, we don’t just become more productive; we create a life that feels fulfilling, balanced, and vibrant.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up as a quiet, observant child, always afraid to say the wrong thing for fear of being criticized or bullied.
Creativity was my refuge—I was always an artist at heart and originally pursued fashion school. But, like many, I was encouraged to take a more “practical” path, so I shifted gears and earned a marketing degree instead. (Go Gators!)
Stepping into the corporate world, I set out on a quest for truth, drawn to the structure of to-do lists and the satisfaction of completing tasks. At the same time, I found joy in connecting with people and, little by little, discovered my voice.
Then, about 10 years ago, while living in NYC, I made a bold decision—I quit my corporate job and went to Costa Rica for a month of yoga teacher training. That experience changed everything. I learned about the chakras, our body’s energy centers, and began meditating and practicing mindfulness. It was the start of a deep personal transformation, one that led me to the work I do today—helping others reclaim their energy, balance, and well-being. I believe these practices are powerful tools for empowerment, and I’m passionate about sharing them with others.
Q: What was living in Costa Rica like?
A: This was one of the coolest experiences of my life for many reasons. One, I traveled there solo and met women from around the world while I was there. We all came together and shared our personal histories about our upbringing and learned about giving back to the world.
It was also challenging physically–we were doing five classes a day and had to read and do homework. Every night before dinner (and the daily thunderstorm), we would lay down on the outside patio and listen to yoga nidra. This is where we set our intentions and focused on manifesting.
I remember hearing the thunder roar in the background as we were nearing the end of the session. We would all then run up the stairs as the storm began, getting soaked and laughing the whole way.
One of my highlights of visiting Costa Rica was zip lining! It was such a unique, scary and fun experience!
The food was amazing! Everything was locally sourced and consisted of vegetables, fish and fruit. The people of Costa Rica were so warm and welcoming. We only drank water for the 30 days we were there and eliminated all gluten. It made a big difference to my energy levels and how I looked.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I’ve learned that prioritizing our authentic values is the key to a fulfilling life. When we place our energy into what truly resonates with us at a heart level, everything else still gets done—but in a way that feels more aligned and sustainable.
Too often, we push through life on autopilot, checking off tasks without considering whether they truly serve us.
But real success isn’t just about productivity; it’s about how we feel while we’re doing it. By managing our energy wisely—physically, mentally, and emotionally—we don’t just survive; we thrive. I want others to know that when we align our actions with what genuinely matters to us, we create a life that feels good, not just one that looks good on paper.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: To me, feminism means the freedom to be fully and authentically ourselves, without limitations imposed by gender norms or societal expectations.
It’s about equality—ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, has the same opportunities, respect, and autonomy to create the life they desire. Feminism also means empowerment.
It’s about reclaiming our voices, standing in our worth, and supporting others in doing the same. It’s not about having to choose between strength and softness, ambition and balance—it’s about having the power to define success on our own terms.
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