poetry – The Woman Wednesday Blog

Woman Wednesday: Jennifer

July 29, 2026Posted in inspiration, Uncategorized, womenTagged achieving your dreams, advice, art, blog, books, building a business, building something, business blog, business woman, businessowner, businesswoman, Challenges we learn from, Challenging, cool, emotional blog, empowerment, hard work, inspiration, inspirational blog, inspirational stories blog, inspire, life, life experiences, love, meaningful business, mindset, overcoming negativity, photography, poetry, sharing stories, sharing stories blog, stories, stories blog, travel, travelling, wcw, woman, woman wednesday, women, women empowered, women empowering, writingLeave a comment

Q and A with Jennifer from Deer Park, NY

“[Change] can mean no longer fitting in where you fit in before. [Change] can mean judgment from friends and family, and [change] can mean it may get really hard before it gets simple.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: My name is Jenn Fasano Holgerson. I am the owner of JFC, a business consulting firm for female entrepreneurs. I own and operate Babes in Business Long Island, a networking organization that hosts events, workshops, retreats, and more for women in business. My passion is simple; it’s to show women that anything is possible in their lives.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: From my very first job experience all the way through my corporate career, and now in entrepreneurship, I have assisted women in not only looking and feeling confident and beautiful but also encouraging them to chase their desires and follow their own passions. I never went to college, but from the moment I graduated high school, I found myself in a leadership role. I always knew I was meant to lead people, but at a young age, I wasn’t quite sure where my strong desire to lead would take me. After having my second child in 2013, that high-demand career with long hours, travel, and rigid schedules started to just not work for me. Simultaneously, I stumbled across the network marketing industry and quickly saw I could follow my passion for leadership, which is what I recognize now as my entrepreneurial spirit. I actually got fired from my corporate job while building my side hustle in NWM, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me! It allowed me to follow my passions and help more people, all while being home with my kids and ultimately led me to where I am now.

Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: One thing I have learned is that change is good. Although it can be scary, we can never grow unless we change. And change can mean a lot of things. It can mean no longer fitting in where you fit in before. It can mean judgment from friends and family, and it can mean it may get really hard before it gets simple. But it’s all worth it if, in the end, you show up as the best version of yourself!

Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism, to me, means being proud to be a leader and a woman. It means knowing that, as women, we are told to wear many hats, and we do, but it doesn’t mean we have to do it in angst. We can do it with pride and confidence. And do it on our own terms.

A fun fact about me: I ran the New York City Marathon in 2017.

Connect with me!

https://www.babesinbusinessli.com

https://jennfasano.com

Insta

Insta-Personal

Woman Wednesday: Apryl

July 8, 2026Posted in inspiration, Uncategorized, womenTagged achieving your dreams, advice, art, beauty, blog, blogging, book-review, books, building a business, building something, business, business blog, business woman, businessowner, businesswoman, candles, Challenges we learn from, Challenging, cool, emotional blog, empowerment, equality, feminism, fiction, gender, gender-equality, hard work, healing, health, inspiration, inspirational blog, inspirational stories blog, inspire, life, life experiences, lifestyle, literature, meaningful business, mental health, mindset, motherhood, overcoming negativity, photographer, photography, poetry, postpartum, reading, resilience, SEO, sharing stories, sharing stories blog, stories, stories blog, success, travel, travelling, wcw, woman, woman wednesday, women, women empowered, women empowering, writingLeave a comment

Q and A with Apryl from Lake Forest, California

“I see so many people scared to embrace creativity, playfulness, or spontaneity. They fear embarrassment, humiliation, rejection, or failure. It is my wish to help people unplug from those fears…”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I can tell you that I am so passionate about living each day of my life sprinkled with creativity.

Every single “today” is a good day to learn something new, try something new, and create something new.

I find it interesting as I reflect back on my 45 years of living this life that my interests in marketing, graphic design, theatre, music, coaching, spirituality, and personal development all intertwine with each other, although it may seem like they don’t go together at all.

Somehow these interests bring me a great deal of joy, gratitude, and balance.

I do experience struggles just like everyone else does, yet I tend to look at those as opportunities I get to experience, learn from, and grow from.

My mantra is “Everything that happens is for my benefit.”

Like many other entrepreneurs, I had to make a pivot in 2020, that is when I began working with some amazing mentors and digging deep to identify how I could make money doing something I love.

I began producing plays online, hosted Zoom sessions with the actors, and streamed the plays on Facebook and YouTube.

Last year, we finally got back on stage for a live production of the Broadway musical “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”

We had six nominations with Broadway World Los Angeles and went on to win Best Special Event. When I am not working on plays, I help entrepreneurs create marketing content, pitch decks, graphics, social media posts, swag, and banners for live events, video editing, and book publishing.

I also teach people how to use PowerPoint and Canva.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I was born in Utah and had many cousins growing up to play with.

My family and I moved to Southern California when I was eight, and that is when I met my best friend, Scott.

We have been pretending ever since; he is my theatre partner and he is the actor as I am more behind the scenes.

We loved sketch comedy shows like SNL and MadTV and would often put on our own skits for our friends and family.

I became a teenage mom in high school and stayed in school till I graduated. I took some vocational classes in video production while working in a movie theater.

When I was 19, Scott and I went to work at Disneyland in the character department. I enjoyed portraying Mikey Mouse for several years before I got myself a grown-up job in mortgage. That was the best job I ever had. It just didn’t pay a livable wage.

Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: I’ve been told that when you are creating something you are connected to divinity.

I see so many people scared to embrace creativity, playfulness, or spontaneity. They fear embarrassment, humiliation, rejection, or failure.

It is my wish to help people unplug from those fears and hold a safe space for them to have the experience and joy that comes with creating something, making art, making music, writing a book, or anything else creative.

Q: What does feminism mean to you?

A: I can see this from a few different perspectives. I would like to think of feminism as being unapologetically myself, as a woman.

Loving myself unconditionally. Embracing what makes me a woman. Celebrating my body, my hormones, my emotions, my choices, what brings me peace, and what completes me.

Building communities with loving, wise, caring, nurturing women to heal and grow with.

I don’t see feminism as a way to tear down or exclude men, but I can see how some may interpret feminism that way.

Thanks for reading!

Woman Wednesday: Ihra

July 1, 2026Posted in inspiration, Uncategorized, womenTagged achieving your dreams, advice, art, beauty, blog, blogging, book-review, books, building a business, building something, business, business blog, business woman, businessowner, businesswoman, candles, Challenges we learn from, Challenging, cool, emotional blog, empowerment, equality, feminism, fiction, gender, gender-equality, hard work, healing, health, inspiration, inspirational blog, inspirational stories blog, inspire, life, life experiences, lifestyle, literature, love, meaningful business, mental health, mindset, motherhood, overcoming negativity, photographer, photography, poetry, postpartum, reading, relationships, resilience, SEO, sharing stories, sharing stories blog, stories, stories blog, success, trauma, travel, travelling, wcw, woman, woman wednesday, women, women empowered, women empowering, writingLeave a comment

Q and A with Ihra from Manila, Philippines

“…every challenge, every late night, and every tough decision has taught me that I am stronger than I ever thought possible.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I have been in the talent acquisition field for over a decade now and have been managing people from the junior level up to those who have been in the industry longer than I have.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a manager is watching your team grow and succeed.

I’m passionate about mentoring, coaching, and helping individuals unlock their potential. I find great satisfaction in identifying someone’s strengths, nurturing their talents, and guiding them toward achieving their personal and professional goals.

I believe that a positive work environment is crucial for success. I’m passionate about cultivating a culture where people feel respected, motivated, and empowered. This includes advocating for work-life balance, promoting diversity and inclusion, and ensuring open communication within the team.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I grew up in a close-knit family that emphasized the importance of education, hard work, and kindness. My parents were my first role models; they taught me the values of perseverance, dedication, and empathy.

Growing up, we weren’t wealthy, but we were rich in love, support, and encouragement. My parents always made sure that I had access to good education and opportunities to explore my interests.

Academically, I was always driven. I loved learning and excelled in my studies, often pushing myself to be at the top of my class. Subjects like English and Mathematics fascinated me because they allowed me to understand people and cultures, while math and science challenged my analytical skills. Education was more than just a means to an end—it was a way to explore the world and my place in it.

Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: One of the most important things I’ve learned is the power of resilience. Life as a single mother can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. But every challenge, every late night, and every tough decision has taught me that I am stronger than I ever thought possible.

Resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about getting back up every time. One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was that asking for help doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human. Whether it’s leaning on family, friends, or community resources, reaching out for support is a strength, not a weakness.

It’s easy to feel like you’re falling short when juggling so many roles, but remember that you are enough just as you are. The love, effort, and dedication you pour into your family and work are what truly matter. Your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be valid and valuable.

Q: What does feminism mean to you?

A: To me, feminism means advocating for equality, respect, and the freedom for all individuals—especially women—to make choices that align with their values, ambitions, and needs without judgment or restriction. It’s about breaking down the barriers that have historically limited women’s opportunities and recognizing the diverse ways in which women contribute to society, both inside and outside the home.

Feminism, to me, is about embracing the full spectrum of what it means to be a woman today—strong, vulnerable, ambitious, nurturing, and unapologetically ourselves. It’s about fighting for a better world not just for ourselves, but for future generations.

MORE FROM IHRA: As I always say: Travel like there’s no tomorrow. Dance as if no one is watching. Laugh until your jaw hurts. And love as if it’s your first and last.

Thanks for reading!

Contact me:

LinkedIn Profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ihrapoblador/)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ihrabells0408

Woman Wednesday: Noma

July 9, 2025Posted in inspiration, Uncategorized, womenTagged achieving your dreams, advice, art, beauty, blog, blogging, book-review, book-reviews, books, building a business, building something, business, business blog, business woman, businessowner, businesswoman, candles, Challenges we learn from, Challenging, cool, dog, dogs, emotional blog, empowerment, equality, family, fashion, feminism, fiction, gender, gender-equality, hard work, healing, health, inspiration, inspirational blog, inspirational stories blog, inspire, life, life experiences, lifestyle, literature, love, meaningful business, mental health, mindfulness, mindset, motherhood, overcoming negativity, pets, photographer, photography, poetry, postpartum, reading, relationships, resilience, SEO, sharing stories, sharing stories blog, spirituality, stories, stories blog, style, success, trauma, travel, travelling, wcw, woman, woman wednesday, women, women empowered, women empowering, writingLeave a comment

Q and A with Noma from Karachi, Pakistan

“I took a leap of faith two years back, and today, I am living the life I want.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I have been working remotely as a lead generation expert, appointment setter, and a supportive manager team lead with a seven-figure marketing agency. I’m passionate about the opportunities working from home, raising my kids, and being financially independent. I am grateful for the ability to serve people with my skills.

I lead a team of 20+ setters around the globe for a marketing agency, helping my clients in business strategies to upscale and manage stuff.

I started from scratch in this digital space being an engineer from NED and transformed into an online entrepreneur. Here’s a glimpse of my journey:

I am a mom of two, an engineer by education, and ranked on Google as the best appointment setter in Karachi, Pakistan. Back in 2021, when COVID hit, I had to close my clothing business. Then I moved into freelancing and started with content and script writing. I invested in myself and learned this skill and started working as an appointment setter, and now, as a supportive manager team lead with a seven-figure marketing agency, Alhamdulilah, along with teaching individuals this skill to get a remote job with 50% advance salary through my setter agency.

I’m a certified member of PAFLA, attended an event as a guest speaker, and recently, I was invited by FPCCI Karachi to speak about lead generation organically. I was featured by TOK, the no#1 digital channel of Karachi. Also, I have represented Pakistan in the international podcast various times. I have been elected as a Karachi Head of Change Makers Summit 2025. If you ask me how? I would say by consistently doing hard work and taking actions. If you want to learn more, you can message me directly on WhatsApp ‪+92-333-3278862‬. [Also, see social media links and more below.]

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I am an engineer because of my [formal] education [in my younger years] and an appointment setter by profession. I believe education is never a waste; although, I learned a lot through experience of being an engineer and working in the sales and marketing niche, but still, education has helped me in many ways. I have achieved so much in life through my remote job and personal brand that wouldn’t be possible if I was stuck in a 9-5 job. My family is my strength. It’s for them I juggle between home chores and work.

Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: Taking the first step to invest in a valuable skill is important. I took a leap of faith two years back, and today, I am living the life I want.

Q: What does feminism mean to you?

A: Feminism is all about equality, equal rights, opportunities, and respect for all individuals regardless of gender.

Let’s connect! Comment below!

You can message me directly on WhatsApp ‪+92-333-3278862‬.

Instagram

Facebook

My facebook community – https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1C84e6FJED/

Thanks for reading!

Woman Wednesday: Emilee

July 2, 2025Posted in inspiration, Uncategorized, womenTagged achieving your dreams, advice, art, beauty, blog, blogging, book-review, book-reviews, books, building a business, building something, business, business blog, business woman, businessowner, businesswoman, candles, Challenges we learn from, Challenging, cool, dog, dogs, emotional blog, empowerment, equality, family, fashion, feminism, fiction, gender, gender-equality, hard work, healing, health, inspiration, inspirational blog, inspirational stories blog, inspire, life, life experiences, lifestyle, literature, love, meaningful business, mental health, mindfulness, mindset, motherhood, overcoming negativity, pets, photographer, photography, poetry, postpartum, reading, relationships, resilience, SEO, sharing stories, sharing stories blog, spirituality, stories, stories blog, style, success, trauma, travel, travelling, wcw, woman, woman wednesday, women, women empowered, women empowering, writingLeave a comment

Q and A with Emilee from Fayetteville, North Carolina (moving to Grand Junction, Colorado soon!)

“The data shows that the small changes add up to something huge and you never know what is waiting for you around the bend.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I am passionate about data. I know, sounds weird, right? Well, growing up, I have always loved data and spreadsheets and numbers. (Can you tell I LOVED my statistics class? Lol.) I enjoy seeing how one little variable can have a HUGE impact. Even in our personal lives, small changes can have big outcomes. So, when I saw that a single subject line or where the button sits in an email can change the conversion rate…I said count me in! So, now I own my own business, Emailing with Emilee, where I handle the tech and automations for other service providers so they can find success in emailing.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I grew up in a single parent household. My parents separated before I was born and were officially divorced before I turned one. We lived below the poverty line most of the time.

My mom was a teaching assistant and her income was enough to eat or keep the lights on, but not both. We did get to live with my grandparents for awhile, which was great. My grandma was truly my best friend. I bowled from the time I was four years old until I as 18; it was my favorite sport and is still so fun to play because again, one small step to the left or right can determine if you get a strike or not.

In high school, I joined marching band, and my band family saved me more times than I can count. Due to a lot of family troubles and bullying, I developed depression and my band family kept me alive until I had a reason to live and that reason was born when I was just 15.

My niece is the one who saved me, ultimately, because I always wondered how they would tell her and I never wanted that to happen. I am here because of her. I also escaped domestic violence, which occurred between the ages of 16 to 18. I got lucky and made it out so that I could be with the wonderful man I am with today and have my beautiful God-loving family.

When I hit college, I changed my major three times until, finally, I was going to drop out because nothing sounded good. My counselor told me I needed one more semester to get my business administration degree, so I said, “Why the f*** not?” I got that degree and decided to start my own business so I could stay home and watch my babies grow up.

Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: Something I have learned is that you are one small change away from something big. When you feel like you have given it your all, or something isn’t meant for you, PIVOT (as Ross would say). The data shows that the small changes add up to something huge and you never know what is waiting for you around the bend.

Q: What does feminism mean to you?

A: To me, feminism means the ability to make a choice and be respected for it. To not have to justify my personal liberties. I believe all women should be able to take up space, be loud and proud, and to do what they love. If you love being a housewife and honoring your husband, AWESOME. If you love fighting the man and being independent, AWESOME. Feminism is not being forced into any single category.

MORE FROM EMILEE: I am the most hockey obsessed person you will meet. You can catch me at the rink, watching the game, or playing floor hockey with my boys. I love the cold and curling up on the couch with my laptop and blanket. Stay cozy friends! 🧣☕

Let’s connect! Comment below!

Thanks for reading!