[Lychee is an alchemist, herbalist, and psychosomatic therapist at AINÚ holistic therapy, as well as a certified yoga instructor.]
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: Growing up in a separated household, I mostly looked up to my older brother, who has a beautiful mix of both masculine leadership and feminine radiance. He’s now married with two beautiful children and co-creating therapy with his wife, as they are both psychologists.
As a white female born in Brussels, I don’t think I was always aware of some of the luxury my parents gave me, until later in life.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I think one thing that I’ve learned is that whenever you think a story has ended, there is always a new beginning coming; it’s really just a matter of perspective. Sounds cliché? That’s because it is!
I also hid away a lot as a kid, could easily play, doodle, read, or listen to music and stories for hours on repetition. Not that those qualities are completely gone; but as an adult, I do value the sense of togetherness and sharing time a bit more.
Q:What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism means many a thing, but to me, it represents freedom where in other ways softness, vulnerability, and adaptability have been mistaken for weakness and/or prone to only one gender.
As the copy dude in friends would say: we are the same, yet we are not. It’s in those different flavors that we can marinate life and in-joy ourselves.
All those different experiences and make-up is not what defines us, but it does allow for certain processes and patterns affecting our decisions. I think (self) respect has something to do with it too. And love. A LOT of self-love.
Q and A with Jennifer S. from Conway, South Carolina, USA
“Honesty goes a long way when dealing with clients, and honesty will get you more business because you build relationships and trust.”
Q: Tell us about yourself. What are you passionate about?
A:I am a seamstress and quilter. I began sewing when I was five or so. I would sew with my mom and gram. I went through high school and took all the home economics (home ec) classes I could and then became a home ec teacher. While I was teaching, I continued sewing for myself and others. I taught for 25 years and then quit my job in education and moved. When I couldn’t find a job that I truly was passionate about, I decided to do my business full time. I have been making quilts and doing alterations for people as a full-time job, along with my Etsy shop, where I have a quilt pattern for sale and I sometimes list quilts for sale.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up with one sibling. My mom was a nurse, and my dad a coal miner. We were a fairly frugal family, and I would make my clothes and prom dresses to get exactly what I wanted rather than buy what everyone else would have at the school. I learned how to do tile and carpet/flooring work from my dad because he also did that as a part-time job. It was helpful when I moved as I started a job in that field and was a top producer for the company but hated what I was doing after while, so I came back to what I love.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I was always taught that hard work and doing your best built good character. I never take on a job that I know I’m not able to do just to make some money. Honesty goes a long way when dealing with clients, and honesty will get you more business because you build relationships and trust.
Q:What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism to me is having equality of the sexes. Feminism is a dynamic concept that is constantly adjusting to things in the world. I am able to many things men can do (carpeting a home, installing LVP/laminate, installing tile, changing a tire and oil, etc.). And sewing isn’t women’s work; many men make beautiful quilts and clothing, and people don’t always see that. I feel, if you really want to know how to do something, even if it considered a job not for your gender, you can learn it and be good at it and maybe even better than those who came before you. Work hard to be your best!
MORE ABOUT JENNIFER: I am a mother of three, and a wife of 27 years. I love the flexibility my career has given me to travel and visit my kids. I worked hard to get myself to where I am now, and I want others to know they can do the same.
Q and A with Nadine fromthe beautiful island nation of Niue
“There is power in knowing who you are.”
Q: Tell us about yourself. What are you passionate about?
A:I’m passionate about empowering women and preserving my Niuean culture, both locally and globally. As Director of Miss Niue Australia, I strive to inspire young women and share Niue’s beauty with the world.
We’ve launched the Miss Niue Australia Pageant, which has paved the way for additional initiatives that promote cultural preservation and women’s empowerment. These include “Who Is She,” a platform that highlights the qualities of a strong Niuean ambassador; “Celebrate Her Story,” a series that honors Niuean women of excellence from all generations, sharing their achievements and stories; and the “Niue Walk-About Series,” which showcases our 13 villages in Niue.
These initiatives align with our vision of women empowerment, and I’m excited to continue growing and developing programs that uplift and inspire our community. Through these efforts, I’m also committed to personal growth, continually learning, and adapting to best serve my community and preserve our rich cultural heritage.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: Growing up in Hawaii and New Zealand, I was immersed in diverse cultures and experiences that broadened my perspective. My parents, Roger and Fuatino Jackson, founders of Miss Niue NZ, nurtured my love for culture and community engagement.
From a young age, I was involved in stage and pageantry, modeling for Pasifika Arts Fashion and participating in pageants like Miss Dream Girl NZ. I also gained valuable experience as a tutor and choreographer for various pageants, including Miss Pacific Islands NZ and Miss India/Asia NZ. Performing with groups like Echoes of the South Seas and Te Are Kari Oi further enriched my cultural understanding and self-confidence. These experiences shaped me into the person I am today.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I’ve learned that cultural pride and community engagement are essential for personal growth and empowerment. Through Miss Niue Australia, I’ve seen firsthand how preserving and promoting cultural heritage can positively impact young women and the community.
I’d like to encourage others to explore and celebrate their own cultural roots. I also value one’s voice– speaking your truth and holding yourself accountable to what matters to you, regardless of what others think, is crucial.
If you believe in yourself, nothing can change your mind, if it’s for the greater good. In this world where we self-sabotage and compare, it can be challenging to block out the negativity and stay true to who you are. There is power in knowing who you are. Seeking out what’s already yours, what is meant to be will find you, with the right conviction. Knowing self is knowing God.
On a personal level, being a role model for my children and being their number one fan in all they do and achieve is paramount. They are my greatest achievements, and I’m committed to supporting and inspiring them every step of the way.
Q:What does feminism mean to you?
A: To me, feminism means empowering women to lead independently, cultivate confidence, and build strong relationships.
As a leader and role model, I aim to promote these values and support young women in their personal and professional growth, helping them unlock their full potential. Through initiatives like Miss Niue Australia, I strive to create opportunities for women to shine, share their stories, and celebrate their achievements.
I believe in the importance of integrity, dignity, and excellence, and I strive to embody these values in my own life and work, inspiring others to do the same. By empowering women, we can build stronger, more resilient communities that benefit everyone.
MORE ABOUT NADINE: Born in the beautiful island nation of Niue, I was raised in the vibrant culture of Hawaii, where I first discovered my love for dance and performance.
At the age of 12, I had the courage to take the stage and perform in front of my first audience on my own–an experience that sparked a lifelong passion. I continued to nurture this passion through the years, and it remains a significant part of my life today.
I’ve also had the joy of sharing this passion with others, teaching dance and performance to those looking to express themselves and build confidence.
Later, I called New Zealand home and started my family, before settling in Australia, where I currently reside. My diverse upbringing has shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for cultural preservation and community engagement.
Q and A with Jean from Chicago, Illinois, living in Lancaster, South Carolina
“I found making jewelry helps me combine my knowledge of holistic healing, Reiki, and using the Chakras to help heal along with the ability to create beautiful pieces of jewelry.”
Q: Tell us about yourself. What are you passionate about?
A:My name is Jean Schlaiss and I am the creator of Intentions by JS. I make wire and crystal jewelry, and intention candles and wax melts. I have been working at my business for the past three years and plan on continuing to do so in order to keep growing. I am hoping to get my jewelry into brick and mortar and online stores.
I am passionate about alternative healing methods. I am an esthetician by trade and also a Reiki master. Reiki is a form of energy healing that helps people with relaxation and to destress. My jewelry reflects my passion as I use natural crystal beads and create healing combinations of crystals to put into my jewelry.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: My parents, my brother, and I lived in the suburbs of Chicago. We were a typical middle-class family. Later in life, I earned my bachelor’s degree in science with a focus in holistic wellness. I am currently a school director for a cosmetology school. Finding a hobby became important to me in order to help me relax. I found making jewelry helps me combine my knowledge of holistic healing, Reiki, and using the Chakras to help heal along with the ability to create beautiful pieces of jewelry. I turned my passion for making jewelry into a business. I currently sell at markets; a boutique in Monroe, North Carolina; and on my Etsy store.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I have learned how to relax and find my inner peace. Making jewelry allows me to be creative as I continue to find new patterns and styles.
Q:What does feminism mean to you?
A: I feel the word “feminism” has negative connotations. I just believe that women and men should be treated fairly and equally. I have seen the inequality at the workplace and it saddens me. Women always feel the need to be on the defense even if they have the same job, same education, or same ranking as their male counterpart. It is a fight that women will have to continue to have until everyone is on equal ground.
MORE ABOUT JEAN: My husband and I live on a farm in South Carolina. One of my two sons lives with us as well, as he has just completed his bachelor’s degree and is looking for a job. We would love to expand our farm, but that will be in the future. My parents live nearby, and my mother comes with me when I showcase my jewelry and candles at local markets. She also is very creative and offers wood burning art, also known as pyrography. It offers a fantastic way for us to spend time together.
Q and A with Dr. Naieema, Charlotte, North Carolina
“Homelessness was one of the most impactful experiences of my life.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A:I’m passionate about female empowerment, my family, and travel. My inspiration comes from seeing different parts of the world, my family, and wanting to teach my daughters that they can do anything that they put their minds to. My favorite trip was to Jamaica, right before the pandemic hit. I finished my PhD and am currently using research-based methods to improve The Determined FemPreneur™, my sales and business strategy program for service-based female entrepreneurs.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I was born and raised in New York City and grew up with three siblings. There was a period where my mother, my older sister, and I were homeless. We lived on the cold, dirty NYC subway; followed by a slew of homeless shelters. That was until we landed in Ravenswood Public Housing Development in Long Island City, Queens, NYC. Homelessness was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. I watched my mother work really hard, but she didn’t have much to show for it. I now use this fuel and those lessons to teach women how to earn more, work less, and make an even bigger impact.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I want others to know that it’s okay to normalize rest and luxury. As women, we often start our businesses wanting to make an impact. All while sacrificing time with our families, our sleep, and our mental and physical health. It’s OK to build a business where you’re not overworking yourself and that equally serves you and your clients/customers.
Q:What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism means equality, but it can’t exist if racism exists because there are women who are of marginalized communities.
The Woman Wednesday Blog 