Tag: women empowered

Q and A with Tijuana from Frankford, Delaware

“When we stumble, it’s crucial to rise again, recondition our thoughts, and renew our mindset daily.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: Ever since I was a child, the world of fashion has captivated my imagination. My dream career as a fashion designer was ignited at the tender age of 10, a passion that began with my love for drawing. My grandmother, a talented seamstress, played a pivotal role in nurturing this interest. She would create beautiful clothes for me, instilling a sense of style and creativity that has lasted a lifetime.

In middle school, I eagerly chose art as my selective subject, further honing my creative skills. Learning to sew in 7th grade home economics was a pivotal moment; it allowed me to connect with the fabric of my dreams, even if my path diverged from fashion design itself. My love for the arts encompasses its uniqueness, nature, and style—elements that inspire me every day.

Though I did not pursue a career in fashion design, my artistic journey has brought me to an exciting new role as a makeup artist and entrepreneur. This path has allowed me to collaborate with a diverse array of talent, including models, fashion designers, photographers, and hair stylists. I have coordinated and led various events, immersing myself in the vibrant world of beauty and creativity.

As I continue to navigate this journey, I realize that, while the dream of owning my own business is strong, I equally enjoy the thrill of working behind the scenes. Each experience fuels my passion for creativity and the arts, reminding me that every step I take is a brushstroke on the canvas of my life. I am excited to share my journey as I embark on creating a holistic business inspired by my personal experiences, particularly my battle with breast cancer. The Essence of S.A.W. holds a deep significance for me, as it is a tribute to my beloved grandmother, Sylvia Ann Williams, who raised me, and my Aunt Gloria D. Vann, who was like a mother to me. Having returned to Delaware in 2023 after spending a transformative decade in Atlanta, I am eager to channel my experiences into meaningful community work.

My mission is to support individuals in their broken places, helping them to conquer their challenges and discover the unique strengths that reside within them. I envision collaborating with local churches and community leaders to reach those who are often overlooked or stereotyped, simply because they don’t fit societal expectations.

Currently, I am developing a program aimed at empowering both male and female youth mentoring program to regain stability in their lives. While I am in a preparation phase due to an upcoming medical procedure, I am filled with hope and determination for what lies ahead. Stay tuned for more details as I prepare to launch this initiative in 2025—it’s going to be a year of transformation and empowerment!

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Q: What were your younger years like?

A: Reflecting on my early years, I recognize that I had a stable upbringing largely due to the unwavering dedication of my single grandmother. She worked tirelessly to provide for me, instilling core values that shaped my character. Attending church was a non-negotiable part of my life, though as a child, I often viewed it through the lens of obedience rather than spiritual understanding. It wasn’t until later that I truly began to appreciate the depth of my relationship with God, moving beyond mere compliance to a genuine connection.

My relationship with my biological parents, however, was fraught with estrangement, leaving me to navigate a path filled with emotional pain. This unresolved trauma followed me into my adolescent years and young adulthood, influencing my decisions in ways I didn’t fully comprehend at the time. I faced challenges, including domestic violence, both physical and emotional, which tested my resilience. Yet, through these tribulations, I have emerged stronger and more self-aware. My hope is that youth will see the greater in themselves and not their pain.

Today, I celebrate a significant milestone—almost 3 years cancer-free. This victory is not just about surviving; it’s a testament to my growth and determination to conquer life on my terms. I recognize that I am still a work in progress, but I have a clearer sense of identity and purpose. I know who I am and whose I am, and I am committed to embracing each day as an opportunity for further growth and healing.

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

A: In life, we often encounter challenges that test our resolve and determination. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of never giving up on oneself. It’s essential to build a deep, meaningful relationship with God, as this connection provides us with direction and guidance through life’s tumultuous journey.

Every setback we face should not be viewed as a failure, but rather as an opportunity to learn and grow. When we stumble, it’s crucial to rise again, recondition our thoughts, and renew our mindset daily. This process of self-reflection and personal growth is fundamental to overcoming life’s obstacles.

Moreover, self-love and self-care are vital tools for maintaining balance in our mind, body, and soul. In a world that often tries to define us, it’s imperative to remember that we are not what others say we are. Taking the time to discover who we truly are can be transformative. Engaging in practices such as prayer, meditation, and affirmations allows us to connect with our inner selves and embrace our unique identities.

My story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of self-discovery. I hope that by sharing this, others may find the strength to navigate their own journeys, embrace their true selves, and cultivate a life filled with purpose and positivity.

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Q: What does feminism mean to you?

A: Feminism, at its core, is about advocating for equality and ensuring that women’s voices resonate in discussions that directly impact their lives. It’s a movement that champions women’s rights and highlights critical issues such as reproductive rights, which empower women to make informed choices about their own bodies. Addressing domestic violence is another crucial aspect, as it seeks to protect the most vulnerable and create safe spaces for all women.

Moreover, feminism emphasizes fairness and social justice, advocating for a society where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities and rights. Workplace issues are equally significant; the fight for family medical leave, equal pay, and protection against sexual harassment and discrimination is vital in creating equitable work environments. By raising awareness and fostering discussions around these topics, feminism aims to dismantle the systemic barriers that hinder women’s progress and ensure that their voices are not just heard, but valued and respected.

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MORE FROM TIJUANA: After two decades away from my hometown, I’ve returned to Delaware with a wealth of experience and a desire to connect with local talent. During my time in Atlanta, I cultivated a diverse network of professionals in the fashion and creative industries, and I am eager to establish similar connections here. I invite all models, coaches, fashion designers, seamstresses, photographers, hairstylists, and marketing professionals from the Delmarva area, as well as those in DC, Philadelphia, and New Jersey to join me in networking. Together, we can create opportunities and invigorate the creative scene in Southern Delaware. Let’s collaborate, share ideas, and bring our talents together to inspire and elevate our community.

Thanks for reading!

Connect with me here:

A.R.I.S.E. Youth Mentoring https://www.facebook.com/ariseyouthmentoring?mibextid=LQQJ4d

5 Minute Faces [Beauty Group]: https://www.facebook.com/5minutefacesllc?mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://raisingparents.net/

https://www.raisingparents.net

https://raisingparents.net

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Q and A with Linda from Vancouver, BC, Canada

“…what others say about you is their garbage, not you.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: [I am passionate about] respecting the humanity of children. As a marketing guru once said, “You should just delete everything from your website and write: ‘Treat them like human beings, treat them like human beings…on infinite repeat.'”

I am currently working on: a semi-autobiographical novel about a women who can communicate with water, a parenting book that is essentially a brain dump of all that I’ve learned over the past almost 50 years, and I am learning just how well I can paint (it turns out I’m a very talented beginner). [Additionally, I’m working on] healing me [because of] an abusive marriage that I was ‘groomed’ for by the parenting my folks did and from the world around me.

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Q: What were your younger years like?

A: Have you read Down Girl? That. What has impacted me the most, it turns out (why I married the idiot in the first place, and why I’ve been standing on the neck of my business for 20 years), is ‘trying to win my dad’s approval,’ which is never going to happen and has nothing at all to do with being loveable or worthy of approval. A freeing discovery.

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

A: [I have learned] that what others say about you is their garbage, not you. And that critical voice in your head? That’s also them, not you.

You CAN reprogram your thinking, love yourself, and be your whole full potential (I’m working on that part…).

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Q: What does feminism mean to you?

A: [Feminism, to me, means] seeing women as whole real people, in the same way I believe children need to be recognized as whole, real people.

[It also means] not “going to be people if or when…” or, as we see in our culture of patriarchy everywhere: not real people ever, at all.

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MORE FROM LINDA: I live near Vancouver, BC, Canada, but I lived in Victoria, BC (the provincial capital) for 50 years (where I’m from…as well as getting my dad in the divorce, he also got the city.)

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Connect with me here:

Let’s meet online for a talk family session, click here.

www.facebook.com/linda.clement.733/

www.instagram.com/raising_parents_inc

www.linkedin.com/thriveparenting

Website

https://raisingparents.net/

https://www.raisingparents.net

https://raisingparents.net

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Q and A with Angelmarie from Amityville, New York

“One of the most valuable things that I’ve learned is never take time for granted. When we are young, we don’t have a lot of foresight on this, but when we are older, it’s important to not sweat the small stuff.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: My passions are definitely staying in the world of God. This has been really helpful in my journey with life. My interests are empowering women of all ages, educating them on healing from within and using holistic natural ingredients when it comes to skin care. [Promoting] the mindset of all women being created equally and that we are all beautiful. My current work has been my biggest platform: TikTok Skin Care Renewed LLC. This has become both a passion and a job. Currently, I’m working on content creation when it comes to skin care, gut health, and having a bit of fun at the same time.

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Q: What were your younger years like?

A: Growing up on Long Island and in New York City, I had the best of both worlds. The Italians were on Long Island, while my Spanish side of the family lived in the South Bronx. I grew up attending Broadway shows, Barbizon modeling school in nyc, always taking train rides into New York City to get our hair done or to watch the Rockettes. It inspired me to watch women dress up and feel beautiful. I’ve attended Catholic schools and public schools growing up.

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

A: One of the most valuable things that I’ve learned is never take time for granted. When we are young, we don’t have a lot of foresight on this, but when we are older, it’s important to not sweat the small stuff. Every day is a new day and a new beginning, and it’s never too late…whether it is trying something new or becoming a better you!

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Q: What does feminism mean to you?

A: Feminism, for me, can be best described as a movement advocating for the rights and equality of women, reproductive rights, and social justices for all women. It’s definitely something I feel very passionate about.

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MORE FROM ANGELMARIE: I was born in Amityville, New York…yes, where the haunted house is located! [She laughs.] I typically have that reaction from people when asked. Yes, I have that “New York sass and spice;” however, that has made me who I am today, which I am very grateful for.

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Connect with me on TikTok; click here.

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Q and A with Lauren from Edinburgh, Scotland

“You have got to tune into your strengths and make them your superpower. In the past 8 years of my career, I have turned my understanding of my sensory world, and dived into specialising in the sensory world of animals.“

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: Wildlife! Ever since I was a little girl, I have been obsessed with animals. I grew up on the east coast of Scotland outside of Edinburgh, and I spent every holiday and long weekend on the beach by the North Sea.

Rockpooling and body boarding were my favourite activities, and I used to spend hours upon hours looking at urchins, starfish, anemones, blennies, crabs and more. We used to see sharks and whales wash up on the shore, and I think that’s where my obsession with sharks began.

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Whilst everyone else was playing with dolls or Barbie’s, I just wanted to be a mermaid, so I could play with sharks. Everything I did from that point on was in preparation for studying and working with sharks. I LOVED school and studied extremely hard to pursue my dream of studying marine biology. I went to Glasgow University and not only had the best years of my life, but I qualified with my bachelors of science degree in zoology with integrated marine biology. I took some time out by going to Fiji and worked on a marine conservation project and learned to dive. Nothing was stopping me. Then I went back to university at Newcastle to do my postgraduate degree in Tropical Coastal Management. 

After my university career, I landed my dream job in the Maldives working as a resident marine biologist. Living and working in the Maldives was the best time of my life. It was really hard work but so rewarding. Our clientele was some of the biggest celebrities and famous faces in the world, but my role involved teaching everyone about the marine life.

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But after 8 wonderful years underwater, I got the chance to move to dry land and work in Africa. Going back to my zoological roots, I became a wildlife TV presenter for WildEarth [the broadcasting company] and worked across Africa. I have now set up my own wildlife production company called Too Wild, which is based in the Timbavati Game Reserve, which is now offering the first-of-its-kind, immersive wildlife filmmaking course to help build the next generation of wildlife filmmakers.

We offer a wildlife filmmaking course from the heart of South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park where students will learn to capture the wild as never before. The main drive of this project is my belief that, united, we have the power to inspire change and uplift the youth in South Africa. To nurture local talent and produce the next generation of South African wildlife filmmakers, we fully sponsor a student from one of the local communities on the periphery of the game reserve through this course. This is truly where my passion lies.

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Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I was such a tom boy and adventurous kid who loved the ocean and animals. Other than growing into my feminine self, not much else has changed. 

I am hard of hearing and have been very ashamed of this my whole life. Only recently in my 30s, have I taken this perceived “weakness” and turned it into a strength that I am proud of. Not hearing well has meant that I have a super human sense of smell and really keen eyesight, I am VERY observant. Everyone has their strengths and “weaknesses.” You have got to tune into your strengths and make them your superpower. In the past 8 years of my career, I have turned my understanding of my sensory world, and dived into specialising in the sensory world of animals. It has opened so many doors for me in terms of broadening my knowledge base and adding and extra layer to my teachings about the natural world.

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

A: I wish I had been told this earlier in life, but a real golden nugget for me is that, in order to start your journey into thinking this way, you must remember “Compete only against yourself, not against others.” Treat everything as an opportunity for YOU, not anyone else. Stop comparing yourself to other people because you will always find someone who is better at something that you do or who is more successful at whatever career you’ve chosen. Instead, compare yourself to the person you were yesterday. Make that your only expectation…and everything is an opportunity to do that.

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