Q and A with Lucie R. S. from Quebec, Canada, living in Mexico
“When we embrace our age as a superpower, we become unstoppable.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m passionate about empowering entrepreneurial women—especially those over 60—to realize that it’s never too late to thrive, dream big, and create meaningful impact.
I co-founded Launch Lab Academy to help women turn their life experience into coaching and course-based businesses using AI-powered tools.
After becoming single at 70, I had to build a life on one income—and I did it by launching an online brand. Now, I help others bridge that same gap with clarity, confidence, and community.
I’m currently mentoring women around the globe, building their visibility through public speaking, and hosting my podcast Lucie’s Inspiring Stories, where we celebrate legacy, reinvention, and bold.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I was born and educated in French Canada, and raised in a traditional family where girls were encouraged to be “nice” and “quiet”—not ambitious.
But I always had big dreams and a deep desire to connect with people.
In my 40s, I became a stepmother overnight, which was a huge shift.
I’ve lived through multiple reinventions—career changes, relocations, and personal transitions. Every twist and turn shaped the woman I am today: resourceful, resilient, and deeply committed to lifting others up.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Your story is not over.
In fact, the best chapters might still be ahead.
I’ve learned that clarity and confidence can come at any age, but only when you give yourself permission to evolve.
I want women to know they’re not behind—they’re just getting started.
When we embrace our age as a superpower, we become unstoppable.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism means having the freedom and support to fully become who you are, on your own terms. It’s about choice, dignity, and possibility—for all women.
For me, it’s also about celebrating the wisdom of women over 60, who are too often overlooked yet brimming with insight and brilliance.
MORE ABOUT LUCIE: I’m currently one of the featured “Ageless Stars” in the upcoming Ageless Voices book and documentary. It’s part of a pro-aging movement I care deeply about—changing the narrative around aging and encouraging women to share their stories, legacies, and voices with the world. Also, I recently co-authored another book: The Art of Connection: 365 Days of Abundance, Vol. 5, which I help to launch and marketed in Times Square in NYC.
I was born in Quebec, Canada; lived 35+ years in San Francisco, CA; and am now living in Mexico as an ex-pat.
Q and A with Vinti M. from India, living in San Diego, California
“We should cherish every moment we have with our loved ones and surround ourselves with people who care and uplift us.”
Intro: My name is Vinti Mehra and I live in sunny San Diego, California, with my husband, two kids, and a dog named Maggi.
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I have always been passionate about fabrics, their texture, and patterns. I like creating, expressing, and storytelling through textile.
I have worked in the garment industry for two and a half decades. Five years ago, on Earth Day, I started my business: The Mahi Boutique.
Mahi means ‘Earth’ in Sanskrit and is also an amalgam of my kids’ names.
My boutique focuses on timeless and sustainable styles with purpose and care. I design clothing using organic cotton, linen, and 100% cotton, focusing on essentials that embody both simplicity and longevity.
My love of fabrics taught me to create patterns using zero or minimum waste pattern techniques. I am deeply committed to creating every piece with responsibility and intention.
For me, fabrics are a medium for thoughtful design, ethical living, and quiet beauty. My passion extends beyond fashion, it’s about shaping a better future one garment at a time.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up in a very traditional and culturally rich environment in a small town in India, where everyone knew everyone!
I had a wonderful childhood with my loving parents and a sweet little sister.
Education was an integral and important part of my upbringing.
While my dad, being a pharmacist, worked long hours, my mom was always there for my sister and I.
My love for fabrics, patterns, and sewing came together at a very early stage of my life. We used to go shopping for fabrics, mostly cotton, and have our clothes tailored. Early on, we realized the importance of caring for and mending our clothes, and even passing down our lightly used clothing to younger siblings and cousins.
So, when the time came for me to decide what I would pursue in my career, it was a no-brainer. I did my postgraduate in garment manufacturing technology and began working in the garment industry shortly thereafter.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Life is the most valuable thing we have. It is the root of everything, the chance to feel, to grow, to create, to love, and to be loved. We should cherish every moment we have with our loved ones and surround ourselves with people who care and uplift us. Stay humble and close to our roots.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism to me is equality of all genders in aspects of fairness, choice, and freedom. The ability for everyone, regardless of gender, to live fully and authentically with respect and dignity.
MORE FROM VINTI: Over the years of my sustainable journey, I have realized that it’s about taking small steps towards a better future. Kind Regards, Vinti Mehra
“Each layer of healing brings new wisdom to share—and I carry that wisdom into the sacred work of holding space for others as they remember their own wholeness.“
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m passionate about so many things—but at the core, it all comes back to one truth: I am here to hold space for others to heal.
That calling is rooted in my own drive to explore the depths within myself—to meet the places still aching, still tender, still waiting to be seen.
It’s through that inner work that I’ve uncovered immense love, compassion, and forgiveness. And, in that, I’ve become a safe space—first for myself, and then for the ones I walk beside as they move through their own deepest healing.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: My childhood was pure chaos—a cocktail of neglect, abuse, love, and straight-up f*ckery.
What saved me early on was gymnastics.
The moment I found the sport, I fell in love.
[Gymnastics] gave me discipline, grounding, and drive—qualities that carried me through the storm of my family life and into my twenties.
While chaos was the backdrop, that deep-rooted connection I had cultivated through movement is what kept me from going too far off track. Gymnastics tethered me to myself, and to possibility.
There’s so much I could say…
I’ve spent the last 15 years intentionally growing, healing, and remembering who I truly am. From 18 to 27, I made a living as a stripper—or as I prefer to call it, an “exotic movement engineer.” That era was undeniably shaped by my chaotic upbringing.
One day, I looked in the mirror and couldn’t recognize myself. So, I walked away—and never looked back. That was the first step of many.
Since then, I’ve forged a path rooted in healing and truth. I co-founded an Ayahuasca church in Orlando. I run a successful Psychedelic Integration Coaching business.
Also, I recently published an Ayahuasca Integration Guidebook and Workbook—resources that I believe are deeply needed in this space. But my journey didn’t start there. It began with learning to take care of myself.
I had to relearn how to eat. Then I learned to grow food. Plants began the process of cleansing me and waking me up. Then came yoga—the breath, the asana, the quiet wisdom of the body. From there, it’s been a dance. A spiral. A return to self again and again.
Each layer of healing brings new wisdom to share—and I carry that wisdom into the sacred work of holding space for others as they remember their own wholeness.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: What do I want people to know? No one is coming to save you. If you want something, you have to show up for yourself. You have to align with it. You have to keep choosing it—especially when you fall. This is the heart of the healing path. It’s not always pretty, but it’s powerful. It’s real. And it’s worth it.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: What does feminism mean to me? Honestly, it’s not something I consciously think about often—but I am incredibly proud to be a woman. I champion women succeeding in every realm. To me, feminism is the art of balance. It’s the dance between the fierce warrior within me and the deeply nurturing force I also carry. Both deserve space. Both are sacred.
MORE ABOUT LAUREN: My home is in Clearwater, Florida. My church is in Orlando. I also do speak at psychedelic conferences in Florida.
We’re starting 2025 the right way! We’ve selected some of the best words of wisdom from a few of our past featured women from the 2024 Woman Wednesdays. Happy New Year, everyone! Let’s do our best to make it the best year yet!
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Lyudmyla from Ukraine says: “You’re one of a kind. Embrace everything that makes you, you. Your quirks, your dreams—they’re what make you special. Fear is okay; it’s a sign you’re growing. Don’t shy away from challenges; they’re stepping stones to something amazing. Be brave. Be you. Don’t follow the crowd if it doesn’t feel right. Be brave enough to be yourself, and amazing things will follow. You’ve got this! Your journey is yours, and it’s going to be amazing.” Read full article here.
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Iesha from Delaware, United States, says: “What I have learned through my journey through life is that as you keep going, you will come through on the other side and there’s life after.” Read full article here.
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Shannon from California, United States, says: “It’s a common assumption these days to feel burnt out and say you need to take a vacation. Or go to the spa, or go shopping, or treat yourself, or to do something relaxing. While traveling and these other things do help with self-discovery, they don’t help with healing, reprogramming the subconscious, or unlocking potential! Not to mention, there’s a whole world of self-development and spirituality accessible to us. Things like manifesting can be fun and life-changing!” Read full article here.
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Michelle from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, says: “Take chances and make mistakes! Lots of them. If you really feel for something, do it! Do it no matter how unlikely it may seem. Unlikely things can happen all the time. And like I tell my children every day: ‘You do you! Do not care about what others think.’ It’s our daily mantra. I wish someone had been whispering or shouting this in my ear when I was young and naive.” Read full article here.
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Philomena from Dublin, Ireland, says: “Once I got into personal development, things started shifting. I learned that I wasn’t powerless, and I didn’t have to wait around for life to change. I could take control of the narrative and create the life I actually wanted. It’s funny because once you start working on yourself, you realize just how much power you’ve been giving away. And here’s the thing: it’s not some overnight, magical transformation. It’s daily work.” Read full article here.
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Ginny from Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, says: “One of the main things I would say to people is to trust your own intuition; it is your compass that will help you through life, keeping you safe and leading you on your true path. I believe every one of us has a mission here, to be kind, compassionate, and to treat others how we would like to be treated ourselves. Once all of humanity starts to live like this, we will truly create the new earth. It is our destiny to make this world a better place for our children and grandchildren.” Read full article here.
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Valencia from Maryland, United States, says: “I’ve embraced the principle of trusting the process and resisting external pressures to conform to someone else’s expectations. Early on, I recognized that I may not resonate with everyone, and I’ve come to accept that as a natural part of life. Embracing my authentic self has become a paramount aspect of my identity, and I navigate life with the unwavering confidence to be true to who I am without hesitation.” Read full article here.
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Archie from Baguio City,Philippines, says: “One of the most valuable lessons life has taught me is the transformative power of resilience. In the face of adversity, it’s our ability to bounce back, learn, and adapt that defines our journey. Growing up in challenging circumstances, facing financial hardships, and the loss of my mother at a young age, I learned firsthand the importance of resilience. It’s not about avoiding difficulties but about navigating through them with determination and a positive mindset. I’d like others to understand that setbacks are not the end of the road but rather opportunities for growth. Every obstacle, every tough moment, is a chance to discover your inner strength and capabilities. Embracing challenges, rather than fearing them, can lead to personal and professional breakthroughs.” Read full article here.
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Maria from Bogota, Colombia, says: “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.” Read full article here.
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Dr. Satabdi from Assam, India, says: “Some life lessons that I learned: (a) Make yourself necessary and you will be needed. (b) Listen to advice from others, but never let others make decisions on your behalf. (c) Accept what you are, acknowledge your deficiencies, and try to be better. But never become someone else to gain acceptance in society as such fame is short-lived. (d) Never play the role of a victim; wake up and fight back. To fight back is the demand of the universe, even though people may call you the villain.” Read full article here.
Tune in every Wednesday to read about a new featured woman!
*Note: Woman Wednesday is a part of our blog. Each Woman Wednesday post will feature a woman who would like to share information in the hopes of inspiring and motivating other women. Comments are welcome below.
Q and A with Claire, from Olongapo City, Philippines, living in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“You must be able to accept all the choices you made in life, forgive yourself for all of the mistakes you’ve made, move on, and just grow from it.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am a very creative person, so I love to create and visualize things. As a photographer, I am very passionate about capturing the beauty in every person and showing the world their true beauty. I often tell my clients my job is to show the world your true beauty and the beauty you have never seen in yourself before. I do not take pictures; I capture memories and I save them for you. As a life coach, I am very passionate about helping women find their voice, strength, and beauty while overcoming past hurts. With faith in God, I help women and anyone in need fill their God-given purpose in life. I developed these passions solely based on my life experiences on earth; it is what drives me to be the best I can be, so I can help more people in the world. I am currently in the process of finishing my 6 weeks program (Release, Reflect, Release, and Restart), my women’s empowerment BBBM website/blog page, and my book, Broken But Beautifully Made, which is based on my story, the stories that birthed my women’s empowerment platform.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up in a 3rd world country, the Philippines. Life was very simple, yet hard. My mom did her best raising 3 daughters as a single mother. I grew up in an environment that is all about family. All our relatives were always around and we did everything together…birthdays, holidays, and just simply hanging out after school and eating (Miryenda) afternoon snacks in Tagalog. Mom raised me as a God-fearing woman; I was very active in my home church in the Philippines. I was a worship leader, youth leader, and a vacation Bible school teacher for the kids. I have always been very passionate about helping others and making a difference…no matter how big or small it is. I graduated high school at the young age of 15 years old and college by 16. I love learning, reading, and just trying to become the best version of myself. I saw struggle at such a young age that I promised myself I would do whatever it took to be better than I was yesterday.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I have learned a lot of lessons from everything I had gone through in life. The one lesson that I find very valuable to me is understanding that it is not selfish to care for yourself first and to set healthy boundaries in your life. I learned to put God and myself first in everything I do in life. I learned to love me for who I was, for who I am now, and who I am to become. This is the one lesson I want anyone to learn from my lesson. You cannot love or help others if you are unable to do that for yourself. You must be able to accept all the choices you made in life, forgive yourself for all of the mistakes you’ve made, move on, and just grow from it.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism for me is fighting for equality for women. Seeing us not by our gender, but by our ability to perform just as any other person can.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?
A: I am married to my amazing husband of 10 years now; his name is Richard Torres. We have one fur baby kitty named Mew. We have lived in NM for 11 years now, but my husband was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM. I am also working on getting my bachelor’s degree and only have 2 years left. I will be graduating with a bachelor’s in business administration with a concertation in project management. I am also publishing my first book in July 2020. I will be coauthoring with 10 other amazing women for a devotional book called The Heart of God for Her.
I am a creative entrepreneur specializing in life coaching and professional photography. As a certified life coach, I specialize in transformational coaching with a keen focus on breaking harmful patterns and overcoming guilt and shame. With a compelling backstory of my own, I am very passionate about helping women find their voice, strength, and beauty while overcoming past hurts. With a backdrop of faith in God, I help women and anyone in need fill their God-given purpose in life. I founded Broken But Beautifully Made Women’s Empowerment Platform in March 2019; God has had this mission in my heart for 2 years. I created BBBM as a platform that allows women to speak, share, and see that she is not alone! I have overcome many trials and tribulations in my life that allows me to relate with other women and to testify how God saved me every single time…As a coach my mantra? “I help you release, reflect, refocus, and restart—Are you ready?”
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