SunVersations

In this episode, I interviewed Lynia, a multifaceted artist from Trenton, New Jersey. Lynia shares her journey from a young performer in theater to a passionate actress and producer. She discusses her challenges as a Black woman in the industry and the importance of self-care. Lynia emphasizes the evolution of opportunities in acting, particularly with the rise of social media and the need for creators to find their path without succumbing to external pressures.

Connect:

Website : https://lynialove.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/lynialove/

Link to ebook on amazon: https://a.co/d/bMG7pru 

Takeaways

Keywords

Lynia, acting, theater, film, producing, Black women in media, mental health, social media, nonprofit, empowerment, social media, personal safety, mentorship, black women, mental health, nonprofit, purpose, self-care, consulting, opportunities

After overcoming her adversities, Makini Smith is passionate about helping others toward personal and professional growth. Leveraging her expertise and personal experiences, she helps individuals overcome self-limiting beliefs and detrimental behaviors. Her mission is to help individuals identify and overcome their limiting beliefs and behaviors to realize their full potential. Makini founded Legacy Leavers Media, assisting women entrepreneurs in self-publishing with the same tools and resources as traditional publishers without the need for their validation or approval.

She’s a five-time published author and hosts the 5-star-rated “H.E.A.L. Her” podcast—one of the top 1.5% most popular podcasts globally. She’s been seen on media platforms, including Chatelaine, iHeart Radio, CBC, CTV, Bell Media, Vice News, and multiple Times Square billboards. 

In this conversation, she shares her inspiring story and provides valuable insights for women who have been through similar experiences. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of showing up, the impact of community, the challenges of being a teenage mom, the role of faith in overcoming adversity, and the necessary tools of life: faith, courage, compassion, and connection. The conversation explores the themes of courage, introversion, self-image, and overcoming limiting beliefs. Makini Smith shares her journey of personal growth and how she developed the confidence to show up and switch between introversion and extroversion. She emphasizes the importance of competence in building confidence and discusses her work as a mindset coach in helping individuals identify and overcome their limiting beliefs. Makini also discusses her books and resources for personal growth and healing.

Connect with her: 

Website: https://awalkinmystilettos.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmakinismith/

Podcast: https://awalkinmystilettos.com/podcast/ 

Books: https://awalkinmystilettos.com/product-category/resources/ 

Keywords: transformation, mindset, challenges, inspiration, community, teenage mom, faith, adversity, necessity tools, courage, introversion, self-image, limiting beliefs, personal growth, mindset coach, books, healing

In this conversation, we discuss grief and how to handle it. Cynthia shares her personal experiences with grief, including the loss of her mother, sister, uncle, and friend, within a short time. She also talks about her role as a caregiver and how she has developed a gift for helping others through their grief. 

Takeaways

Keywords: grief, handling grief, caregiver, personal experiences, loss, grace, honest conversations, seasons of grief, peace, forgiveness, peace, loss, grief, regrets, questions, answers, Holy Spirit, revelations, communication, family secrets, resolution

In this conversation, Chye, a doula, shares her journey and expertise in supporting birthing mothers. She explains the role of a doula and the difference between a full-spectrum doula and other types of doulas. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your cycle and tracking fertility signs. Chye also advises preparing young girls for their first period and the importance of open communication. She explains the training and certification process for becoming a doula and the services provided during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Chye highlights the importance of using your brain and making informed choices when selecting a doula.

Find Her: https://www.instagram.com/chye.love/ 

Schedule an appointment: https://calendly.com/lovekarchye/doula?month=2024-09 

Takeaways

Keywords: doula, birthing mothers, full-spectrum doula, fertility, cycle tracking, stress, early puberty, period talk, postpartum support, mental health, birth plan, communication, boundaries, informed choice

Ayoka B. is an author who recently published Love at Second Sight. I quote her here, and 100% agree, “A beautiful and layered story of artistry, relationships, and love, this unique novel spans generations. Love At Second Sight gives all the feels. It will make you laugh, cry, and cheer and inspire you to rethink what it means to love. And yes, it's steamy!”

The book explores so many things, but we focus on the theme of blended families and the importance of putting children first in these situations. Ayoka draws from her personal experiences as a single mother and being in a blended family herself. She emphasizes the need for clear and frequent communication, never disparaging the other parent, and listening to the children's feelings. The book is relatable, realistic, and a page-turner. Ayoka also has a playlist accompanying the book, adding another layer to the reading experience.

FIND HER and all the links we discussed   https://linktr.ee/joyinhome 

Takeaways

Keywords: Ayoka B., author, Love at Second Sight, blended families, single mother, personal experiences, communication, children's feelings, relatable, realistic

In this conversation, Lynz shares her story of surviving childhood sexual abuse, navigating abusive relationships, and battling mental health and substance abuse. She also opens up about her struggles with depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Lynz talks about the challenges of leaving an abusive relationship and the importance of setting boundaries. She also highlights the role of therapy in her healing process and her decision to become a trauma therapist to help others. Lynz emphasizes the need to break the cycle of abuse and raise strong, resilient children. Her journey toward healing and self-discovery is ongoing, and she emphasizes the need for self-compassion and seeking professional help.

Takeaways

Keywords: childhood sexual abuse, abusive relationships, mental health challenges, substance abuse, trauma, healing, transformation, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, support, self-compassion, professional help, abuse, trauma, healing, boundaries, leaving, therapy, cycle of abuse, resilience

Mary shares her traumatic childhood growing up in foster care and the challenges she faced. She discusses the abuse she endured from her mother and the instability of her living situation. Mary recounts her experiences in various foster homes and group homes, highlighting the lack of understanding and support she received. She also shares the pivotal role played by supportive individuals who showed her love and compassion. Ultimately, Mary takes control of her own life and finds independence. Mary shares her journey of overcoming trauma and finding hope. 

Find Mary:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/maryseverance/

Website: https://mariposatherapyservices.com/

Takeaways

Keywords: foster care, trauma, abuse, instability, support, independence, trauma, foster care, motherhood, toxic relationships, self-care, boundaries, hope

Hadassah Bauer, an adoptee and adoptee coach, shares her journey and the challenges adoptees face. Hadassah highlights the lack of access to adoption records and original birth certificates for adoptees, which can create identity and medical information gaps. She emphasizes the importance of therapy and coaching for adoptees to heal from trauma and overcome issues such as rejection, intimacy, loss, control, identity, grief, and shame. Hadassah also encourages adoptive parents to be open and supportive of their child's desire to search for their biological family.

Links

Takeaways

Keywords

adoption, adoptee, adoptee coach, baby scoop era, adoption records, original birth certificates, trauma, therapy, coaching, identity, medical information, adoptive parents, support

**Trigger Warning (sexual abuse, rape, domestic violence)

In this episode, Jessica shares her journey of overcoming childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence. She discusses the impact of the abuse on her relationships and the challenges she faced in seeking justice. She also talks about her healing journey, including therapy and techniques she used to cope with triggers and flashbacks. Jessica gives tips on how to start the process of filing charges, including going to the police and writing a detailed account of the abuse. Jessica advises survivors to seek counseling and consider medication if necessary for their healing journey.

Her IG: https://www.instagram.com/theitgurl85/

Takeaways

Keywords: childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, resilience, healing journey, therapy, trust, support, sexual abuse, filing charges, pre-marital counseling, seeking help, court process, healing journey

In this episode, Jen shares her empowering transformation and the wisdom she has gained. After surviving childhood trauma, she made the courageous decision to prioritize her well-being and self-love. Jen shares her journey of self-discovery and finding her identity beyond being a wife and mother. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, seeking support from trusted individuals, and doing the inner work to heal and grow. She advises those who feel lost and encourages them to hold onto hope, seek therapy or coaching, and embrace their vision for the future. Jen shares her coaching business, which combines her project management expertise with empowering women to pursue their dreams.

Find Jen

IG: @jen.vertanen 

Website: https://jenvertanen.com

Takeaways

Keywords

childhood trauma, self-love, relationships, divorce, change of heart, identity, self-discovery, therapy, support, negative thoughts, self-discovery, identity, self-care, support, inner work, equine therapy, healing, hope, therapy, coaching, vision, empowerment