Q and A with LaurenM. from Chicago, Illinois, living in Jacksonville, Florida
“Having a solid circle and choosing to not give up is what got me through.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am passionate about serving others in an excellent way. I’ve been this way since I was a little girl. Today, I happen to do that via legal services as a business attorney. In this role, I help business owners protect and monetize their businesses. Through international business law, I help with setting up entities, mergers and acquisitions, trademarks, contracts, copyrights, and employee law.
I also love to travel and experience cultures. I think this yields different perspectives on life which provides a greater sense of appreciation and understanding of people. Jacksonville is where I currently reside, but I am a digital nomad, so I travel often. My business is 100% virtual.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: My mom had a big impact on me regarding my career because she would always tell me it was good to be a doctor or a lawyer. My stepdad told me about a dream he had of me being a lawyer years later, and I was from then on set on becoming an attorney.
I was always advanced. I started school one year early and skipped a grade. This positioned me to go into high school at 12 years old and graduate high school at 16.
A funny story my family often tells me is that I was meant to be an attorney as I’ve always been outspoken. At the age of four, I was riding with a family friend and she was speeding, I told her to stop but she didn’t. Eventually, she got pulled over and was talking her way out of the ticket, when I piped up and told the officer that she in fact did know she was speeding because I told her.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I’ve learned that once you say yes to your purpose, purpose will chase you down!
I want others to know that there are no limits to the things you can achieve and do.
Even though I knew I wanted to be and felt called to be an attorney, the road to becoming an attorney was not easy. There were many moments I wanted to give up. I had a solid circle of encouragement and those who believed in me even when it didn’t feel good for me. Having a solid circle and choosing to not give up is what got me through. Anyone who puts their mind to it can do it!
Q and A with Maria Z. from Bogota, Colombia, living in Palm Beach, Florida
“I believe loving what you do has the biggest impact in life. I try to live every day with purpose.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m very passionate about my work. I believe that love is a force that guides us, and I love the human body and the human experience, and I love the magic that there is in how we were designed. The human body is such a simple yet complex system that is fascinating to me. I come from a medical background of 18 years. I went to school for surgical technology and health services administration. After everything changed with COVID, healthcare was never the same, however, people still need healing and I love healthcare so much that I decided to further my skill set and obtain my certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, ultrasonic cavitation, radio-frequency therapy, and laser Lipo.
Though I was familiar with the treatments from experience with my first child, the aftermath of my second child and the challenge that I was having to get rid of the “saggy skin,” despite exercising and keeping a healthy lifestyle, was what really pushed me to dive deeper into alternative treatments other than surgery. I also have a fairy hair and children’s entertainment business that is my heart. I started this project in 2020 inspired by my little girl and my friend and mentor who introduced me to fairy hair. Nellarina’s is a project based on magic and love, and I am known as the Fairy Hairmother, or the Queen Fairy as my friends call me [she laughs]. I believe in sparkles, and my inner child has healed tremendously with this project. I love to serve the community and have had the honor to work with foundations like Hands and Feet, which helps children in foster care, and the Palm Beach County Schools as a volunteer for their school events, and I am obsessed! I love to sparkle the kids, and their smiles when they look in the mirror is the best payment I receive!
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I am the youngest of two sisters, and I come from a big family. I went to an all-girl Catholic school and moved to the United States when I was 16. It was a huge culture shock to be quite honest. My father’s health wasn’t so great growing up, so my upbringing was a little different. My parents worked in sales; my mom was one of the top Realtors in Bogota during the 90s, and my dad worked in sales. With both parents being entrepreneurs, it is only natural that I would develop the same mentality, so I grew up hustling! I would bake and sell my cookies in my building and candy to my friends.
After I graduated high school, I went to college and worked in healthcare full time while attending Keiser University, where I graduated with my degree in health services administration. Then I pursued a second degree as a surgical technologist from Keiser College, where I graduated with honors. I obtained my national certification with the highest score in my class and had the privilege of being a part of the advisory board for the student leadership body. I believe loving what you do has the biggest impact in life. I try to live every day with purpose.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: If there is something I would like others to learn from my story it’s that only we are responsible for our destiny. Sometimes, we tend to get in our own way because we’re scared of failure, but understanding that there is no failure only lessons to be learned, we realize that we can always start again and do things differently.
I feel like the most valuable tool I have and what has helped me the most has been prayer/meditation. Being able to ask for divine guidance and really taking the time to listen will help you take the steps needed that are in alignment with your true purpose.
Remembering that we all put our pants the same way in the morning keeps me humble and grounded; it allows me to expand from a more authentic and empathic place, and to really take the time to listen to others…sometimes it’s important. To be of service is important. Walking without judgment is growth. Everyone is their own world, and oftentimes, we forget people are fighting battles we don’t know about. Being kind is important. A life of service is a life well-lived.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: Well as the proud granddaughter of a widow with seven kids who raised them by herself and a mother who hustled to provide due to unfortunate circumstances, I believe feminism as a term has been misinterpreted by many.
I feel like being a feminist is embodying the soft side of what makes us a woman while balancing the strength, courage, determination, and fearlessness that women carry without trying to be like our male counterparts (I know personally I wouldn’t want to be like a man). As women, we are sacred portals of life and even men come from women; we are the ultimate creators, we are sovereign and powerful! We are the ultimate warriors and even Earth is a woman. We run the world!
MORE from Maria:
-I’m only 4’10”
-I am a Clair
-Cooking and exercise are my mental health
-I was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, and currently reside in Palm Beach County, Florida
“Balancing full-time work and studies, I scraped by to provide for us, dreaming of a brighter future.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m deeply passionate about family, travel, spending quality time with my daughters, lifting weights, being a foodie, and nurturing my spiritual connection with God. Additionally, I’m passionate about making brands look seriously good on social media through designing graphics, editing reels, and creating captivating video content. My journey into this creative realm began after leaving the corporate world and delving into farm life, where I discovered a love for digital marketing and revenue generation through social media strategies. Currently, I’m focused on building out my educational suite and website to assist online business owners in enhancing their online presence through digital products, templates, and coaching.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up in Toledo, Ohio, as the youngest in a family of five. I attended Calvary Christian School and later Owens Community College before finding my passion in fashion and marketing. I pursued my bachelor’s degree at BGSU and later obtained my executive MBA from the University of Toledo, diving into entrepreneurship and digital marketing. Sports like softball and cheerleading were a significant part of my youth.
Once trapped in a harmful relationship, I found the courage to break free and became a single mother, determined to create a better life for my daughter. Balancing full-time work and studies, I scraped by to provide for us, dreaming of a brighter future. After years of perseverance, I finally saved enough to buy our own home, a symbol of our newfound independence and security.
During those five years, I delved into self-discovery, finding solace and guidance in the teachings of the Bible. I honed my skills, built a nest egg, and envisioned a life where I could be both a devoted mother and a successful entrepreneur.
Then, in an unexpected twist of fate, I took a chance on love through a simple swipe on Tinder. Little did I know, this bold move would lead me to the love of my life, transforming our family of two into a joyful quartet.
Welcoming our baby girl into the world was a miracle that filled our hearts with boundless joy. Her arrival not only brought us immeasurable happiness but also ignited my creative spark. Inspired by her presence, I ventured into the world of digital entrepreneurship, birthing my first passive income stream: a comprehensive guide to mastering video creation.
Our family’s journey has taken us far and wide, from the bustling streets of LA and NYC to the serene shores of Cozumel and the cultural richness of Lima, Peru. Each adventure has woven new threads into the tapestry of our story, reminding us of the boundless possibilities that await when we dare to dream and embrace life’s twists and turns with open arms.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Throughout my journey, I’ve learned the importance of having a clear plan and staying true to your vision. It’s crucial to be mindful of who you partner with in business and to prioritize building your own brand rather than solely focusing on corporate endeavors. My experience has taught me the value of perseverance and the power of collaboration for the greater good.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: To me, feminism is about working collaboratively for the collective advancement of all individuals, recognizing that there is strength in unity and support. It’s about breaking down barriers and promoting equality and opportunity for everyone, regardless of gender.
“…I know that my hard work and faith in God will lead me to exactly where I’m meant to be.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m a certified pediatric sleep consultant and postpartum nurse helping parents all around the world! I am passionate about educating and assisting parents (specifically first-time parents) to fully embrace the transition of parenthood with ease.
I knew I wanted to work in the labor and delivery setting from a very young age, so after working a couple years in the ER setting, I was ecstatic when I found out I could finally work my dream job. I am a postpartum nurse who also helps with deliveries, but more so the baby side.
I absolutely love what I do, and I love being able to connect with my patients on a deep level and support them through this sometimes scary journey. I currently still work as a postpartum nurse, but since having two kids, I have had to become creative with earning an income while staying at home with them more, especially since finding out my youngest son has a rare genetic condition that requires four types of therapies every week. So, I’ve just learned to help people more virtually, and see how I can help them with challenges they face before or after having their baby!
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: Life has always been a fight for me; I spent most of my elementary school years in the hospital with epilepsy that no doctor could figure out the root cause of. By the grace of God, I outgrew them by the age of 10. I am the youngest of four siblings; my oldest brothers are 17 and 13 years older than me, and my sister is five years older than me. I’m not very close with my brothers due to the age gap, and my sister has struggled with severe mental illness since she was a teenager. I’ve had to keep a brave face on for a long time, and I’m sure that’s what has helped with my perseverance through life. I worked through high school to save up for college since my parents used every dime; they had to support me and my sister medically.
I applied for every scholarship you could think of for my senior year because I was determined to go to a university right out of high school, not the junior college my parents wanted me to. I distinctly remember them telling me one day after sitting in a seminar at Murray State University listening to the finance portion; they would not pay for my schooling unless I went to a junior college first. For my own mental health, I could not stay home any longer. I told them no, and that I would figure it out. I will never forget the look they gave me thinking, “Oh, how naïve of her. She has no idea.” There was always a common theme in my life of people underestimating me. No more.
After applying for scholarships like it was my full-time job, I received somewhere around $24,000 in scholarships for me to go to Murray State University. I did everything I could to prevent myself from pulling out student loans. My high school sweetheart–now my husband–and I moved to Murray and were able to work through college and not pull out a single student loan. We both received bachelor’s degrees. I remember thinking to myself: “This is it; all your hard work has paid off.” What a great feeling, all because I knew what I was capable of, even when others didn’t see it.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Something valuable I want people to get out of this story is that life can throw anything and everything at you, but I want you to always know that there’s an answer; you just might have to dig to find it. I always joke with myself when people tell me the word “No,” I always hear “We’ll see,” in my head. If there’s a will, there’s a way. I still have a long way to go in my journey until I feel like I’m in a place of comfort. But I know that my hard work and faith in God will lead me to exactly where I’m meant to be.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: To me, feminism means empowerment. It means that you can do whatever you want, no matter what gender society puts on things. I was never the girly type growing up. I always loved going with my dad to his construction sites when he needed to put electrical wiring in a house. I honestly loved doing things that made people confused ha-ha! I loved dressing up in pretty dresses and putting on my kid-friendly makeup from time to time. However, I also loved running barefoot through the woods, getting muddy, riding four-wheelers, shooting shotguns, really just anything. Being a woman, we have secret skills, and sometimes it’s fun to bring them out when people least expect them. For example, I LOVE using my power tools to do DIY projects around my house.
So, when there’s a man in my house who doesn’t know me really well, I love to see their reaction when I tell them I ship-lapped my whole fireplace and hammered each nail in one by one…while being about 13 months postpartum. I love it when people just can’t quite seem to figure you out. However, there are times when I’m glad to be a woman, so I don’t have to deal with certain things. For example, when I worked in the ER, I worked with a lot of men. We all have the same job, we do the same work. When I have a combative patient, I love the fact that I can just walk away and know that my male coworkers will take care of it because they don’t want me to get hurt. So, long story short, feminism means to me that you can choose who you want to be, and how you want the world to see you. I love that feeling.
MORE ABOUT MORIAH: My goal is to build my community of beautiful mothers who might’ve had some tough things happen in their lives. I would love to support my family more financially by staying home, earning an income online, and controlling how much I am working at the hospital by “want” and not “needing a paycheck.” I know in my heart that I need to be home with my little boys, so I cannot wait to see what this business will bring in the future.
If any of this resonates with you, please feel free to reach out to me! You are not alone, and the greatest pressure creates the most beautiful diamonds!
“When bad things happen to you, don’t dwell on it; make yourself proud of you!“
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m really passionate about psychology. As a psychiatric nurse for a neurologist, what makes people who they are fascinates me. I worked as a nurse for three decades, and then my divorce hit me. After a happy life of 25 years together and two sons, the fairytale came to an end. I became homeless and struggled because of the fact I was betrayed. I had no home and was in a deep pit. I looked for help, but I never could find someone who really did understand me. So, I searched and did research and found my way to England and studied online to become a practitioner divorce coach. It really helped me and since then, I have helped women to become strong, fast, and have a brighter future, also because I coach women in the health and wealth world. Being homeless isn’t fun, and being broken on many levels, I decided to coach others to become strong again. I coach in the health and wealth business.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: When I was young, I was a shy person who never ever did say much, always listening and observing. We lived in a nice house and after a few years, we moved to the countryside. I never ever did like school, I felt like I didn’t belong there, so as soon it was possible, I made my way through life and worked and learned at the same time. My family is full of stubborn, honest, direct positive people whom I love dearly. I think the main thing that impacted me was my divorce. That changed my life and taught me to grow as a person, find my voice, and help people the way I am supposed to.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: My mission in life is to empower people to see their own greatness. When bad things happen to you, don’t dwell on it; make yourself proud of you! Be your own greatest cheerleader! Find your own worth, and don’t be afraid of struggles; go through them, at the end, there is always the greatest price! More knowledge, more love!
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism means to me, to see your worth, protect your boundaries, and be proud of yourself.
MORE ABOUT JEANNETTE:
Connect with me! Comment below. Or, for divorce coaching, people can contact me at this email: staalcoaching@hotmail.com
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