(Unedited)

Hey Empresses,

Its been so long since I’ve penned you and I just want to say Hey! Im back and better than ever. I also want to say welcome to all to new Goddesses who have joind the community even as I have been in a bit of a hiatus. As we all know 2025 has been one for the books but with all thats happening why should I stop living my best life.

I’ve been sitting with so much gratitude lately, reflecting on where I’ve been and where I’m headed. And as this community grows, it feels right to reintroduce myself and share more of what makes this space so sacred to me—and to you.

I’m Empress Iman: a Black woman from Brooklyn who is also a single mom, a dreamer, a creative, a teacher, a survivor, and a damn Goddess. I say that because, after everything I’ve been through, I’ve realized something important—there’s no blueprint for the life I’m building. And there doesn’t need to be.

I am a healing perfectionist and for a long time, I lost myself in the roles life handed me—mother, wife, teacher, nurturer. Each title came with expectations, some I embraced, and others I let suffocate me. I gave so much of myself that I didn’t even realize I was disappearing. Then life forced me to stop.

Divorce. Motherhood. A pandemic. Anxiety. Depression. All at once, it felt like the ground beneath me had disappeared. In those hardest moments, I realized the truth that brought me here: I am not just a mother—I am everything. And here’s the thing about falling apart—it gives you the chance to rebuild. And rebuild. And rebuild. As many times as I choose to!

Young me thought that when we become adults your identity is established and set in stone. Iman, that is so far from the truth! The math teacher in me knows that there are so many ways to solve an equation and just because you face a challenge or didn’t carry the tens, you can double back look at the bigger picture and course correct as many times as you like.

I’m the laughter and love my kids need. I’m the tears and strength I need to heal. I’m the creative energy that fuels my ideas. I’m the bold moves and quiet reflections that have carried me through. And I am here to remind you that you are all of these things too, and more!

This space, Not Just a Motha, was born from the idea that rediscovery is a life long journey. It’s for all of us Queens—those of us who love our kids, our families, and our dreams but know deep down that we are so much more.

I show up here to share the realness—no filters, no perfection, just me. Whether it’s a moment of joy from the gym, an Empress mantra to keep our crowns straight, or reflections on the hard-earned lessons of life, I’m here to hold space for growth, healing, and thriving.

This journey isn’t just about me, though—it’s about us. Every time I hear from you in the Empress Chat, see you using the mantras, or get a message saying, “You helped me see myself again,” I know this community is magic.

We are not just women. We are not just mothers. We are a complete Empress. And we deserve to live lives that reflect our worth.

So, as we move through seasons of surrender and reflection, I want to leave you with one question:

What are you ready to let go of so you can create space for the magic within you?

Let’s grow together, Empresses. Thank you for being here, for being you, and for reminding me every day that this work matters.

With love, strength, and a little sparkle,

Empress Iman

👑✨

P.S. Empresses unite! Drop me a line in the Empress Chat and tell me what part of yourself you’re rediscovering this season. 💜

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit empressiman.substack.com