“…have that positive mindset that everything is going to work out well…”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am a hair stylist, and I work from home now. I work in hair dressing, ventilation [the process of attaching individual hairs to a wig cap to create a wig], and specializing in wigs. I am also a university student at the National Open University of Nigeria in Lagos, Nigeria.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I have always loved fashion since I was a small child. I love to see someone dress nice, put on good clothes, and have very nice hair. I have always had this passion of owning my own store or salon.
I grew up in a poor family in Nigeria because my parents are farmers, and we barely had enough to eat, but my dad always made sure he sent us to school—no matter the condition. That’s my main reason of wanting to uplift my family. Also, I don’t want my children to grow up in the kind of environment I grew up in, so my dad managed to train me till I finished my secondary school.
Then after secondary school, I went and acquired a skill in hair dressing, ventilation [the process of attaching individual hairs to a wig cap to create a wig], and specializing in wigs. But to God be the glory, I am now a final year student in the National Open University of Nigeria in Lagos, Nigeria.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I would like others to always have that positive mindset that everything is going to work out well—no matter the condition you find yourself in—only if you’re determined to change your story.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: I really believe that women are naturally gifted with so many strengths and the heart of undying love. And if you believe in yourself, you will make it. Definitely.
Q and A with Kristen Z. from New Jersey, United States
“…when we align our actions with what genuinely matters to us, we create a life that feels good, not just one that looks good on paper.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m passionate about empowering professionals to reclaim their energy and well-being. After over 20 years in corporate marketing and human resources, I’ve witnessed how stress and burnout can drain even the most driven individuals—but I also know it doesn’t have to be this way.
As a certified yoga instructor and energy management consultant, I blend corporate experience with holistic practices to help busy professionals create sustainable habits that nourish both their personal and professional lives.
My mission is to help others shift from merely surviving to truly thriving—because when we manage our energy wisely, we don’t just become more productive; we create a life that feels fulfilling, balanced, and vibrant.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up as a quiet, observant child, always afraid to say the wrong thing for fear of being criticized or bullied.
Creativity was my refuge—I was always an artist at heart and originally pursued fashion school. But, like many, I was encouraged to take a more “practical” path, so I shifted gears and earned a marketing degree instead. (Go Gators!)
Stepping into the corporate world, I set out on a quest for truth, drawn to the structure of to-do lists and the satisfaction of completing tasks. At the same time, I found joy in connecting with people and, little by little, discovered my voice.
Then, about 10 years ago, while living in NYC, I made a bold decision—I quit my corporate job and went to Costa Rica for a month of yoga teacher training. That experience changed everything. I learned about the chakras, our body’s energy centers, and began meditating and practicing mindfulness. It was the start of a deep personal transformation, one that led me to the work I do today—helping others reclaim their energy, balance, and well-being. I believe these practices are powerful tools for empowerment, and I’m passionate about sharing them with others.
Q: What was living in Costa Rica like?
A: This was one of the coolest experiences of my life for many reasons. One, I traveled there solo and met women from around the world while I was there. We all came together and shared our personal histories about our upbringing and learned about giving back to the world.
It was also challenging physically–we were doing five classes a day and had to read and do homework. Every night before dinner (and the daily thunderstorm), we would lay down on the outside patio and listen to yoga nidra. This is where we set our intentions and focused on manifesting.
I remember hearing the thunder roar in the background as we were nearing the end of the session. We would all then run up the stairs as the storm began, getting soaked and laughing the whole way.
One of my highlights of visiting Costa Rica was zip lining! It was such a unique, scary and fun experience!
The food was amazing! Everything was locally sourced and consisted of vegetables, fish and fruit. The people of Costa Rica were so warm and welcoming. We only drank water for the 30 days we were there and eliminated all gluten. It made a big difference to my energy levels and how I looked.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I’ve learned that prioritizing our authentic values is the key to a fulfilling life. When we place our energy into what truly resonates with us at a heart level, everything else still gets done—but in a way that feels more aligned and sustainable.
Too often, we push through life on autopilot, checking off tasks without considering whether they truly serve us.
But real success isn’t just about productivity; it’s about how we feel while we’re doing it. By managing our energy wisely—physically, mentally, and emotionally—we don’t just survive; we thrive. I want others to know that when we align our actions with what genuinely matters to us, we create a life that feels good, not just one that looks good on paper.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: To me, feminism means the freedom to be fully and authentically ourselves, without limitations imposed by gender norms or societal expectations.
It’s about equality—ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, has the same opportunities, respect, and autonomy to create the life they desire. Feminism also means empowerment.
It’s about reclaiming our voices, standing in our worth, and supporting others in doing the same. It’s not about having to choose between strength and softness, ambition and balance—it’s about having the power to define success on our own terms.
Q and A with Jen fromJohannesburg, South Africa, living in Northern Rivers, NSW, Australia
“Healing is not just an individual journey. When one person heals, it ripples out.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m deeply passionate about helping women heal from trauma and subconscious conditioning so they can reclaim their safety, power, confidence, and self-worth. My work blends neuroscience, somatic healing, subconscious rewiring (Psych-K), and inner child healing to create deep, lasting transformation.
This passion came from my own healing journey. I spent years trying to “think” my way into healing through traditional talk therapy, but I realized that true change happens on a subconscious and nervous system level. That’s when everything shifted for me.
We have an animal sanctuary for rehomed and rescued animals.
Now, I work with women who have experienced childhood trauma, narcissistic abuse, and emotional dysregulation, guiding them to break free from survival mode, people-pleasing, and limiting beliefs. My work is a mix of science and soul, and I absolutely love witnessing women step into their power and purpose.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my reach through my programs, writing resources that make healing accessible, and sharing my message through speaking engagements and collaborations. Healing doesn’t have to take decades—when you work with the subconscious and nervous system, transformation happens so much faster.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: My younger years were shaped by a deep sensitivity to the world around me. I grew up constantly trying to make sense of the dynamics around me—always observing, always feeling deeply.
In school, I was naturally drawn to psychology, human behavior, and personal development. I knew from a young age that I wanted to understand why people struggle the way they do and, more importantly, how they can heal.
Family and upbringing shaped so much of what I do today. I personally experienced patterns of trauma, emotional suppression, and conditioning that kept me small. It took me years to realize that healing is not just about what happened to us – but about how our body and mind stored those experiences. That realization set me on the path I’m on today.
From a young age, I was driven to break cycles, to ask deeper questions, and to refuse to settle for a life that felt misaligned. That same drive fuels my work today.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: You are not broken. You are operating from patterns of protection that your nervous system and subconscious mind created to keep you safe.
One of the most valuable things I’ve learned is that healing isn’t about “thinking positive” or working harder. It’s about teaching your body and subconscious that safety is possible.
I spent years in talk therapy, understanding my patterns but still feeling stuck. The moment I started working directly with my nervous system and subconscious mind, everything shifted. Healing doesn’t have to take decades. When you work on a subconscious level, transformation happens faster than you think.
What I want others to know is: Your past does not define you. No matter how much trauma you’ve experienced, you are capable of rewiring your mind, regulating your nervous system, and stepping into a life of peace, confidence, and self-trust.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: To me, feminism is about sovereignty. It’s about women reclaiming their power, autonomy, and self-trust – on every level.
For too long, women have been conditioned to shrink, self-sacrifice, and prioritize everyone else’s needs over their own. The effects of this conditioning run deep—it shows up in self-doubt, lack of boundaries, people-pleasing, and feeling disconnected from our intuition.
True feminism, to me, is about giving women the tools to break free from that conditioning—not just intellectually, but on a deep, subconscious level.
It’s about undoing the internalized beliefs that tell us we’re “too much” or “not enough.” It’s about embodying our worth—not just fighting for external equality but doing the inner work to truly feel empowered in our own skin.
I believe healing is a radical act of feminism—because when a woman heals, she breaks generational cycles and creates a new legacy.
MORE FROM JEN: Yes. Healing is not just an individual journey. When one person heals, it ripples out.
The work I do isn’t just about helping women feel better; it’s about breaking patterns that have existed for generations. It’s about creating a new way forward, where emotional resilience, self-trust, and inner peace are the norm, not the exception.
I truly believe that every person who heals their subconscious and nervous system is contributing to a larger shift in collective consciousness. The world needs more people who feel safe, strong, and sovereign in their truth.
“People always talk; however, those who love you will always be there to support you.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am passionate about helping people. I have started three nonprofits. Unapologetically Me, Unapologetically Pink, and Unapologetically Living.
Unapologetically Me is a transformative nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals to share personal journeys of self-acceptance, growth, and authenticity. We are passionate about embracing who we are, learning from our past, and celebrating the courage to live unapologetically.
Unapologetically Pink is a life-changing nonprofit dedicated to empowering breast cancer survivors and their loved ones. Our mission is to create a supportive and inclusive space where individuals can navigate the emotional, physical, and physiological challenges of breast cancer with courage and authenticity.
Lastly, Unapologetically Living is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, empowering, and inspiring individuals affected by all types of cancer. This organization exists to foster a compassionate community for fighters, survivors, and their families and friends.
I am also creating my brand Veronica Vidaña. I will have a podcast (in the process). I will also be available for speaking engagements, amongst other things. Lastly, I am in real estate. My company is AkeyRE. I buy homes for cash and am a commercial investment consultant.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up in a two-family home. I have one sister who is six years younger than I am. Having grown up in a small family, it has taught me to value my family and our time together. I have always been a talker and a helper.
My family jokes that I have never met a stranger because I talk to everyone. I love it. I love being able to connect with people. I also am passionate about helping people. I remember being a small child and helping my great grandmother. I wasn’t responsible for her, but I loved helping. It is something that brings me joy. I also like fixing people. I have learned you can’t help or fix everyone, but I like to think that I try.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I know it sounds so cliché, but life really is so precious and short. You never know what will happen. Live each day to the fullest. Don’t live with regrets. If you try and fail at something, it’s okay. Learn from it and try again. Don’t give up or settle because of what people will say. People always talk; however, those who love you will always be there to support you.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: To me, feminism means valuing women the same as men. Being treated equally and having rights regarding our bodies to be made by every woman as they choose. I don’t believe one is more valuable than the other and I don’t believe in criticizing or putting any gender down.
I believe when women are working the same as men, they should be treated and paid equally. I don’t even understand why this is even an issue. Everyone is human. If we are capable and do things the same, then we should be treated the same. I don’t believe one gender is more valuable than the other. Maybe I’m biased because I have two daughters and a son. I love them equally and believe they are all capable of the same responsibilities. Men shouldn’t have a say about women just like women should have a say with men.
MORE FROM VERONICA: The road I have taken to get her has been long and hard, but I’m here. I love and accept myself for all that I am. I know, had I not gone through all I have, I would not be who I am and where I am today.
“When you’re passionate about something, especially if it’s a good and meaningful pursuit, give it your all.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: My passion lies in helping business owners, agencies, and coaches succeed by designing websites and funnels that not only convert but also provide an excellent user experience. I specialize in creating mobile-friendly designs and integrating automated messaging systems that streamline communication and drive conversions effortlessly.
I discovered my passion when I realized that many businesses were struggling due to an inadequate online presence. From poor social media management to the lack of a functional platform to market their products or services, these challenges inspired me to step into the digital space. I committed myself to helping businesses thrive by creating strong, effective online presences.
I’m focused on improving my skills in web design, funnel creation, and automation to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. While AI is transforming the industry, I believe that combining AI with human expertise is the key to achieving exceptional results—better sales and higher conversions for businesses. I’m also dedicating time to personal growth and professional development to continue delivering value to my clients.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: Growing up, I had to keep up with something myself earlier on since my parents were often unavailable. This meant taking on responsibilities like cooking, washing my socks and underwear, and handling small chores around the house. While these may seem like simple tasks, they instilled in me a sense of responsibility and resilience. These experiences have shaped my work ethic and contributed significantly to my journey in the digital marketing business.
Currently, I’m an undergraduate pursuing my academic career while also helping businesses establish a strong online presence. My university experience has been eye-opening, teaching me that education extends far beyond the four walls of a classroom. It’s a blend of academic knowledge and real-world experiences that continues to shape my growth and aspirations.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in life is to take charge of your own journey early on because you can’t always rely on others to help you.
When you’re passionate about something especially if it’s a good and meaningful pursuit, give it your all. Invest your energy and effort to do it to the best of your ability.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism, to me, means that a woman should live in her own terms and not that of the rules made compulsorily and laid by man and to be followed by woman with a force. [It means] having the same equal right with the male gender and not being biased.
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