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.
Q and A with Jen fromJohannesburg, South Africa, living in Northern Rivers, NSW, Australia
“Healing is not just an individual journey. When one person heals, it ripples out.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m deeply passionate about helping women heal from trauma and subconscious conditioning so they can reclaim their safety, power, confidence, and self-worth. My work blends neuroscience, somatic healing, subconscious rewiring (Psych-K), and inner child healing to create deep, lasting transformation.
This passion came from my own healing journey. I spent years trying to “think” my way into healing through traditional talk therapy, but I realized that true change happens on a subconscious and nervous system level. That’s when everything shifted for me.
We have an animal sanctuary for rehomed and rescued animals.
Now, I work with women who have experienced childhood trauma, narcissistic abuse, and emotional dysregulation, guiding them to break free from survival mode, people-pleasing, and limiting beliefs. My work is a mix of science and soul, and I absolutely love witnessing women step into their power and purpose.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my reach through my programs, writing resources that make healing accessible, and sharing my message through speaking engagements and collaborations. Healing doesn’t have to take decades—when you work with the subconscious and nervous system, transformation happens so much faster.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: My younger years were shaped by a deep sensitivity to the world around me. I grew up constantly trying to make sense of the dynamics around me—always observing, always feeling deeply.
In school, I was naturally drawn to psychology, human behavior, and personal development. I knew from a young age that I wanted to understand why people struggle the way they do and, more importantly, how they can heal.
Family and upbringing shaped so much of what I do today. I personally experienced patterns of trauma, emotional suppression, and conditioning that kept me small. It took me years to realize that healing is not just about what happened to us – but about how our body and mind stored those experiences. That realization set me on the path I’m on today.
From a young age, I was driven to break cycles, to ask deeper questions, and to refuse to settle for a life that felt misaligned. That same drive fuels my work today.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: You are not broken. You are operating from patterns of protection that your nervous system and subconscious mind created to keep you safe.
One of the most valuable things I’ve learned is that healing isn’t about “thinking positive” or working harder. It’s about teaching your body and subconscious that safety is possible.
I spent years in talk therapy, understanding my patterns but still feeling stuck. The moment I started working directly with my nervous system and subconscious mind, everything shifted. Healing doesn’t have to take decades. When you work on a subconscious level, transformation happens faster than you think.
What I want others to know is: Your past does not define you. No matter how much trauma you’ve experienced, you are capable of rewiring your mind, regulating your nervous system, and stepping into a life of peace, confidence, and self-trust.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: To me, feminism is about sovereignty. It’s about women reclaiming their power, autonomy, and self-trust – on every level.
For too long, women have been conditioned to shrink, self-sacrifice, and prioritize everyone else’s needs over their own. The effects of this conditioning run deep—it shows up in self-doubt, lack of boundaries, people-pleasing, and feeling disconnected from our intuition.
True feminism, to me, is about giving women the tools to break free from that conditioning—not just intellectually, but on a deep, subconscious level.
It’s about undoing the internalized beliefs that tell us we’re “too much” or “not enough.” It’s about embodying our worth—not just fighting for external equality but doing the inner work to truly feel empowered in our own skin.
I believe healing is a radical act of feminism—because when a woman heals, she breaks generational cycles and creates a new legacy.
MORE FROM JEN: Yes. Healing is not just an individual journey. When one person heals, it ripples out.
The work I do isn’t just about helping women feel better; it’s about breaking patterns that have existed for generations. It’s about creating a new way forward, where emotional resilience, self-trust, and inner peace are the norm, not the exception.
I truly believe that every person who heals their subconscious and nervous system is contributing to a larger shift in collective consciousness. The world needs more people who feel safe, strong, and sovereign in their truth.