“Do it scared…Every success that I’ve ever had came from starting while terrified.”
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I’ve always gotten weird looks when I tell someone that I’m a writer, so sometimes it’s easier to say, “I write the junk emails that people actually open.”
I’ve been a copywriter for 13 years, after getting my original start in blogging. I write mostly for clients in my original niches: self-care and self-improvement. I’m now a licensed professional nail artist, but in 2010, I was a nail blogger, meticulously writing out instructions for art and reviews for beauty products.
My experiences while working in the beauty industry only reinforced what I had already seen online often; women feel guilty for taking care of themselves. Exterminating the belief that we are doing something wrong and selfish when we aren’t being productive for someone else is my life’s goal.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I had a childhood immersed in the arts: music, theater, art, and creative writing. I loved it all! I’ve wanted to be a writer my entire life. I even had the writer’s crest engraved on my high school class ring because I swore that was the path I’d take.
I unexpectedly became a mom at 19. It really lit a fire under me to pull myself out of poverty for my son’s sake. Writing copy for businesses and bloggers let me work from home with my two boys when they were very little. Freelance work and working from home weren’t as common at the time, so I will be forever grateful to the clients who gave me that chance. A good income without a commute sounded like a dream, and I went all in for it.
Once my two kids were a little older, I went to cosmetology school to earn my Advanced Manicurist license. I own a brick-and-mortar business now with the salon, travel across the country teaching business skills to beauty professionals, and still continue to work as a copywriter, taking on projects where I can help spread self-love and self-care across the web with some newfound authority.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Do it scared. If it makes you scared to fail, it’s a chance for growth. Every success that I’ve ever had came from starting while terrified. Making big moves in your career requires doing scary things that you’re unsure if you can even do. Do them anyway.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: To me, feminism means breaking stigmas about what society considers a “woman’s place” to be. In the US, women weren’t allowed to vote until 1920 (Nineteenth Amendment to the US Constitution). We weren’t allowed to have a bank account without a husband’s signature until 1974 (Equal Credit Opportunity Act). We weren’t given equal rights to our property shared with a husband until 1981 (Kirchberg v. Feenstra). We’ve achieved so much, but it’s a continuous fight to keep those hard-earned rights.
Every one of those victories, and so many more, was the result of women demanding to be treated as equals to men. We owe it to the women of the past who got us this far to keep fighting for equality in all spaces of life.
“One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned and wish to share with others is the importance of gratitude and faith in life’s journey.”
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I am passionate about several things, including my work as a virtual assistant and providing top-notch SEO services to medium and large companies as a freelancer. Beyond my professional endeavors, I have a deep interest in intentional parenting, cooking, and reading books. Aside from being a mother, I am fond of helping people, which has been a driving force in my journey as a virtual assistant.
At the beginning of my freelancing career, I faced significant struggles and self-doubt, believing that I couldn’t excel in this field. However, God has impressed in my heart to pursue my dreams and surrender the rest to Him. True to His nature, God kept His promise and I found a very nice client to partner with and the rest is history. I used that experience to inspire and support aspiring freelancers. It led me to partner with like-minded people who share my vision, and together, we created a community for people who want to explore freelancing.
In this community, I take on the role of a moderator, providing guidance and support to newcomers, helping them conquer their limiting beliefs and find their path in the freelancing world. Recently, I organized a free webinar focusing on SEO and the various career opportunities it offers in the digital marketing arena, aiming to educate and inspire participants to explore this dynamic field. I find great fulfillment in empowering others and sharing my knowledge to help them succeed in their own freelancing journeys. This community has the potential to grow and evolve into a thriving hub of support and collaboration, fostering an environment where individuals can flourish in their chosen careers. As a virtual assistant, freelancer, and someone passionate about helping people thrive, I am committed to making a positive impact and contributing to the growth of this community.
Q: Can you tell us more about how you got a career in SEO?
A: My SEO journey is definitely not an overnight success. After attending training, I started looking for freelance work, but I always get rejected. There are even times when a potential client will ask me to do a certain task and when I get it done, I will not hear from them anymore. Innumerable unnoticed job applications, lots of ghosted discovery calls, and rejected proposals brought me to where I am right now. Looking back, I believe it is a process that I needed to experience so I will be able to value everything that I have today, never take for granted a single day, and give my best always.
I discovered freelancing during the time when I was battling depression. A series of events in my life caused me trauma so much that I experience anxiety and panic attacks. I couldn’t sleep at night. At that time, I know in my heart that the person I am becoming is someone that not only caused harm to myself but to the people around me as well especially my daughter. She’s the one who received all of my rage and frustrations and she would see me cry and look at me with wondering eyes, but I couldn’t tell her why. That’s when I realized that I have to do something about my situation so I really prayed to God for help. I need to divert my energy and time and be more productive. Aside from God, there’s no one who can help me but myself so I have to step up. I actually chance upon SEO when I researched work-from-home jobs. Because I love reading and I have experience in content writing, I thought I should learn more about it and give it a try. That’s how it all started.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: During my younger years in the Philippines, I grew up in a family of seven, with four siblings. My mother, a dedicated seamstress, worked hard to ensure that all of us had access to a good education. Her sacrifices taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of education in shaping a better future. Beyond the family, my grandmother played a pivotal role in my upbringing. She regularly brought me, my siblings, and my cousins, to a nearby Baptist church. There, we attended Sunday Schools and sang in the Children’s Choir. Over time, I became deeply involved in the church’s ministries, eventually serving as a youth leader. My walk with Christ continued until I graduated from college with a degree in psychology and began my career first as a guidance counselor, then a data analyst, and lastly as a civil servant.
When I was young, my family lived in a compound in Quezon City where my grandmother and my mother’s siblings live also together with their respective families. So, I grew up in a very close-knit extended family. Aside from my siblings, my cousins (tons of them) are my best friends and my playmates. Until September 26, 2009, happened when Tropical Storm Ondoy ravaged Luzon. Almost the entire Metro Manila was submerged and 90% of our house was damaged. It was devastating, we didn’t have enough resources to fund the rebuilding of our childhood home, so we decided to live somewhere else to start anew. We rented and moved from one place to another until we were able to settle permanently in Bulacan under housing from the government.
My journey took an unexpected turn when I faced a significant challenge caused by my rebellion against God. I engaged in immoral acts and became pregnant out of wedlock, leading to discipline from the church. This experience humbled me and reminded me of the importance of faith, forgiveness, and repentance. I was commanded to stop serving in the church to focus on seeking restoration and reconciliation. Despite the difficult times, I found solace in my faith, knowing that God is a loving and merciful God. His forgiveness allowed me to find peace that only He can give and cling on to the Lord’s transformative power of second chances. This experience has shaped who I am today, inspiring me to see others not for their present circumstances but for the potential they hold in Christ. To refrain from judging people because of the wrong actions that they’ve committed but to lovingly direct them to the cross where Jesus Christ gave His life to cleanse all of us of all of our unrighteousness. In that way, they too, can experience the forgiveness and eternal life that I have gifted by God.
These experiences have instilled in me a passion for helping others and serving my community. I aim to extend empathy and support to those who have faced challenges and are seeking their own paths of healing and spiritual growth. My journey of redemption has given me a unique perspective, allowing me to embrace and empower others on their own transformative journeys.
As a parent now, it is always my prayer that my children will never experience what I have been through (we were homeless for a while) and that we will do our best with God’s help to provide for them so they could live comfortably and enjoy a secure future.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned and wish to share with others is the importance of gratitude and faith in life’s journey. Regardless of the highs or lows we may face, always remember to give thanks to God and praise Him in all circumstances. Trust that He is working all things together for good, even during challenging times.
From my own journey, I hope others take away the message that God’s forgiveness is a powerful force that can transform our future not just in this life but eternally as well. No matter what mistakes we may have made in the past, with genuine repentance and determination to turn away from our sins, we can find redemption and a spotless future through God’s grace. If you would accept Christ as Lord and Savior of your life and believe that He died for you and was buried as a payment for our sins and rose on the third day to defeat death then you can be assured of eternal life. There may be people who try to remind us of our past mistakes and question our intentions, but we should not be deterred. With God’s guidance and understanding, we can carry on and focus on His judgment, for He alone sees into our hearts and knows the truth. What truly matters is our relationship with God and our commitment to living a righteous life.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: I would describe feminism as a profound recognition of the value and worth of women, acknowledging that both men and women equally reflect God’s image as unique individuals. Treating others with dignity, appreciating their unique strengths, and understanding that mistreating anyone is akin to mishandling God’s masterpieces are essential aspects of feminism.
MORE ABOUT JOY: I am also an advocate of homeschooling and intentional parenting. I have a firm belief that homeschooling, combined with intentional parenting, is a great way for parents to take an active role in their children’s education and development. Instead of sending kids to a traditional school, parents teach them at home, making sure the lessons match their interests and strengths. Intentional parenting means being really involved in the child’s growth, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. It’s about creating a supportive and caring atmosphere, talking openly with the kids, and teaching them important values. Homeschooling with intentional parenting helps kids learn in a way that suits them best and strengthens the bond between parents and their children. It gives families the freedom to adjust the learning to fit each child’s needs and helps build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and growth.
Q and A with Rockshana from Fairfield County, Bridgeport, CT
“Something valuable that I learned very early is that not everyone is going to enjoy my talents and, that if I wanted to get the role, if I wanted to get a high score, I needed to work hard, train, and only put my best foot forward...”
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I’m passionate about performance art and helping others grow into and in the best versions of themselves through a field of work that they enjoy so that they can be happy and feel good about themselves. I found this through my own passion. I feel most confident when I am actively doing something that I love such as dancing, modeling, and acting—whether I’m in class, on stage, or just consistently have it on my schedule. I feel confident and happy, and I feel like the best version of myself. I help others find that confidence and happiness through their passion even if that might be as a nurse, financial advisor, etc.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I went to a private school from daycare all the way up to my senior year of high school in Connecticut [United States]. As a child, I always wanted to be on stage performing for my family at home which led to my mom putting me into modeling which then turned into acting. I enjoyed singing and gained a solo at school, which lead to me taking vocal lessons and then getting into dance. Each of those activities taught me how to express myself in different ways and learn confidence. Taught me to have drive, determination, persistence, and individuality and that my hard work pays off one way or another.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Something valuable that I learned very early is that not everyone is going to enjoy my talents and, that if I wanted to get the role, if I wanted to get a high score, I needed to work hard, train, and only put my best foot forward, and if I do get a no and/or if someone gets a higher score than me, it’s okay. What I have to offer might not be what someone needs that day/in their production. Along with that, I learned that there are other people in the world that can do what I can’t and that work as hard or possibly even harder than me to get a high score. Everyone puts in as much work as they are able to and it’s incomparable.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: Feeling confident in wearing whatever you would like to wear, working in a field that you enjoy and are truly passionate about, and being the best version of yourself that allows you to be happy is what feminism means to me.
“I work way more now than I ever have in any of my previous jobs!”
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I’m very passionate about building genuine connections with other people. I think genuine human connection is what makes life worth living! In my personal life, I honestly just love being around people that I love. I have the most amazing lifelong friends, a boyfriend that makes me the happiest, a super supportive loving family, and I can’t forget about my fur babies. I’m also very passionate about art.
I am a licensed esthetician who is certified and specializes in lash extensions. I currently own a collective where I rent out spaces for other small business owners to work out of. I was really sick of always feeling so lonely and missing a coworker vibe in my business. That is what inspired me to create my own community and surround myself with other small business owners who support one another. I’m currently working on growing my collective and finding the best fits to fill all the rooms in my studio. I’m also working on training and hiring employees to grow my own lash community within my collective!
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I was raised by a single mom who worked nights, so I was super independent for most of my life as I was home three nights a week by myself. I was also in competitive volleyball for most of my adolescence, and I feel like this really taught me good discipline. I mostly worked in the food industry before getting into the beauty industry. I LOVED having coworkers but was not the best when it came to having to follow what I thought were dumb rules with no purpose. I always told my coworkers from the time I started working that I would be my own boss one day. I wasn’t sure how; I just know that I’d get there. Another funny thing is when I was little like five years old I was obsessed with drawing eyes with pretty eyelashes. I, later on, got really into makeup in high school and was your typical 2016 makeup girl. This got me interested in working with the face. I was worried the makeup industry was catty from what I had seen from makeup YouTubers, but I really loved the idea of working on people’s faces. This lead me to esthetics! I had zero skin knowledge going into school but quickly fell in love with ALL of it. The industry lead me to lashes, and I really feel like everything came full circle from the eyeball pictures I used to draw!
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Being a business owner is really challenging. I have had to learn and go through so many obstacles I would have never pictured myself living through. Although I love my job there are some days I wish I had known more about it before I dove in nose-deep without a clue. My advice is to do your research before you decide to open your own business to make sure it’s for you. Online, it is presented as a glamorous lifestyle, but I promise it’s much different behind the scenes. I work way more now than I ever have in any of my previous jobs!
Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
A: I normally wake up anywhere from 6am-8am, depending on when my first appointment of the day is. I am horrible with a nightly routine…funny enough being an esthetician myself, I do EVERYTHING in the morning. I start with brushing my teeth and follow that up with an elaborate skincare routine and a throw on some natural makeup. I make my breakfast that I eat in the car and pack snacks as my lunch for the day. I make sure my kitty has food and water, my bed is made, and head out the door for my 30-minute commute to the studio. I’m usually making Instagram posts, responding to emails and texts, planning out my to-do list for the day, and doing any business research needed before I start my clients for the day. I usually see around 3-5 clients a day each appointment an hour and a half long. I eat one snack between each client to hold me over throughout the day. Once I’m finished, I clean everything up and put in all my clients’ notes, and head home for the night. I usually cook dinner and spend the rest of the evening doing more backend work or spending time with my boyfriend, roommate, or cat. Then end my day by heading to bed around midnight!
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: My perspective has changed on what feminism means to me. I used to really think that I should do everything that a man can do and does…almost to like prove to myself that I could? Now I focus a lot more on my divine feminine. I know I can do anything a man can, but I honestly don’t want to. I want to focus more on what my feminine strengths are instead. I want to dive into my sexuality, creativity, and nurturing side of myself. I feel like being in tune with your feminine side is one of the most powerful things a woman can do. I think woman has always been powerful beings but the world is starting to notice again.
MORE ABOUT DANI:
Some more about me is that I am 23 years old. I started my first lash business at 20 years old. I am a survivor of an emotionally abusive relationship and think the world needs to talk about these so much more! I’m left-handed. I have a super cute cat named Stella. Lastly, I’m a big card/board game person.
“…we are meant to live joyful lives where we feel like we are contributing to life in a positive way.”
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I am passionate about the books that I write, both for adults and for children, and bringing about change. With the children’s books I write, I love to encourage kids to be kids, building up their self-esteem and in a sense letting them know that it’s ok to be playful and free. To show and not tell.
I believe that we all have innate intelligence, including children, and if we encourage the true expression of self to come out that there will be less emotional trauma in the world and that just as we teach children, equally, we learn from and respect them.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I don’t remember a lot about my early years, but I do know that my first school report said that I lived in a world of my own and that this has turned out to be one of my greatest assets utilized in the children’s books that I write!
From my late teens, I trained as a singer and acted as a narrator for plays. This for me, was a way to overcome my extreme shyness.
I have promised myself (and as a nod to both my speech and singing teachers) that one day I will come back to these first loves of mine. For sure, the calling to do so is getting stronger.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I believe that if you have a dream, you have been given it for a reason no matter how insurmountable it may seem. Your dream wouldn’t have found you if you weren’t meant to fulfill it.
When we are immersed in what brings joy it oozes out from us and is infectious! This doesn’t mean that there won’t be challenges along the way. There will be. But no matter how many times we are brought to our knees, it’s important to remember that there is always a way.
If that way hasn’t appeared yet, don’t give up. Ask for signs and a clear pathway to be shown to you and keep on believing in you.
I wrote my first children’s book “I Love Myself” back in 2007. At that time, I was a single mother without a spare dime to my name. I hadn’t intended to write the book, but… after an experience that had happened at my son’s school when he was five and after a conversation with a friend, where she recommended that I write a book, I did just that!
I’d never written a book before and had no clue as to how to publish such a book, nor did I have the money to do so. What I had to learn to do, was to take inspired action as and when it hit and that is exactly what I did. Most of the artwork in the book was created by children, a colleague of a friend gifted me the design, and after an Angel Investor pulled out of sponsorship, I blindly, but with the belief that I could sell these books, ordered a 3,000 offset print run of this book title.
That was back in 2007 and I’m just about to rerelease this title (with an updated cover and slightly adjusted text) here in 2023… a book that I believe will stand strong beside the other books that I have since written and published.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: I’m neither for nor against feminism. To me, equality is important no matter what gender, age, or race. Though here, in New Zealand, we were the first country to give women the freedom to vote, and I’m proud of that.
MORE ABOUT ANGELA:
Six years back, I was told by an intuitive healer that I would write a companion guide to one of my children’s books but that this time, the book would be for adults. Most of my books have come about via a prompt or a sign and so I took note.
The day after my healing session, the title of that motivational book came to me and then the introduction, and with that impetus, I was away. Words often flow to me when walking along the beach, of which I am spoilt for choice where I live.
This Stepping Into Love –A Journey to Self-Healing has done just that, it has healed me. It has led me back to the core of who I am, that of love. It is a book for those of us that have read every book, and enrolled in umpteen courses, yet still feel like we’re on a hamster wheel of life going nowhere fast. Not that it’s about speed per se but we are meant to live joyful lives where we feel like we are contributing to life in a positive way.
I believe that this book will change lives; in fact, early readers have told me that it has changed their lives. I know it has mine.
I’m originally from the UK but moved to New Zealand when I was ten with my parents and five siblings.
To preorder your copy of Stepping Into Love–A Journey to Self-Healing, please click here:
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