In today’s episode, I’m joined by someone who has been a mentor, friend, and guiding light in my life: Maritza Puello. Maritza is a senior media consultant, communications strategist, and mindfulness, wellness, and leadership coach who helps people connect mind, body, and spirit in both life and work.

We dive into an honest conversation about navigating stress, uncertainty, and overwhelm in today’s world — without disconnecting, numbing out, or feeling guilty for experiencing joy. Maritza shares practical, approachable tools to help you find stability even when everything around you feels unpredictable.

• Why so many people are questioning hustle culture after the pandemic
• How collective stress impacts our personal well-being
• The guilt many of us feel for experiencing joy during hard times
• Why predictability feels safe — and how it can also limit us
• How small, intentional changes can create calm and clarity
• The importance of acknowledging small daily wins
• How to find the “eye of the storm” when life feels overwhelming

• Making one tiny, consistent change (like drinking water before coffee)
• Pausing to ask: How am I feeling right now?
• Building awareness instead of forcing productivity
• Creating space for ease, grace, and joy — even in chaos

Maritza reminds us that we don’t have to put our dreams on hold because the world feels unstable. We’re all living at the intersection of our individual needs and the collective experience and both deserve care and attention.

• Website: ticalife.net
• Instagram: @ticalifewellness

If this episode resonated with you, take on the challenge Maritza shares: choose one small thing and commit to it for 21–28 days. You might be surprised how much shifts.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave me a 5-star review if you're loving this podcast as it helps the podcast grow and reach more women! Thank you!

Connect with Luz on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitreporter

Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: JOIN NEWSLETTER HERE

Need help achieving your goals this year? 🔗 Check out my CLARITY COMPASS HERE

Host/Producer: Luz Plasencia

mindfulness during uncertain times, stress management tools, holistic wellness podcast, finding calm in chaos, mental health and mindfulness, personal growth podcast for women, self care without guilt, navigating burnout, post pandemic mindset, hustle culture recovery, emotional well being tools, staying present during stress, mindfulness for busy women, leadership and wellness, mind body connection, grounding practices for anxiety, coping with overwhelm, creating balance in life, small habits big impact, awareness and presence, joy during hard times, wellness routines for mental clarity, mindfulness coaching insights, stress relief practices

In this engaging conversation, Luz interviews Giselle Velasquez, a dynamic entrepreneur who transitioned from a decade-long teaching career to owning multiple businesses in the event industry. Giselle shares her journey of self-discovery, the challenges of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, and the cultural significance of Quinceañeras. She emphasizes the importance of delegating responsibilities, the evolution of family traditions, and the power of faith in guiding her decisions. The discussion highlights the modern woman's experience of navigating career and family life while staying true to personal values and cultural heritage.

Takeaways

Giselle transitioned from teaching to entrepreneurship during COVID.

She started her first business, a photo booth, in 2021.

Balancing motherhood and business is a priority for her.

Cultural traditions like Quinceañeras are evolving and still very popular.

Giselle emphasizes the importance of delegation in business and in family life.

She learned that busyness is not a badge of honor.

Faith plays a crucial role in her entrepreneurial journey.

Giselle's upbringing influenced her views on work and family.

She encourages women to embrace their unique paths.

A prayer of surrender can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Connect with Gisselle Velasquez:

https://www.instagram.com/quinces.by.maritzas/

https://www.instagram.com/gisselle.heavenly_joy/

https://www.instagram.com/cafecitoshopllc/

Connect with Luz on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitreporter

Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: JOIN NEWSLETTER HERE

Need help achieving your goals this year? 🔗 Check out my CLARITY COMPASS HERE

Host/Producer: Luz Plasencia

Keywords:

entrepreneurship, motherhood, cultural traditions, business, personal growth, women empowerment, Quinceañeras, faith, family, balance, teacher entrepreneur, Christian, event business

Happy New Year, friends!
In this first episode of 2026, we’re diving into a topic so many of us are feeling right now: courage — not the loud, dramatic kind the world loves to celebrate, but the quiet, everyday, deeply personal courage it takes to grow into the next version of yourself.

This episode explores how to recognize the season you’re in, how to know when God is asking you to rest vs when He’s nudging you to move, and why courage often looks like taking small, uncomfortable steps… even when you’re scared.

I’m also sharing a very personal story from the last few years of my life — a season of rest, healing, identity shifts, and finally… courageous action. My hope is that my journey helps you understand your own more clearly.

If you’re starting this year feeling restless, ready for change, or simply tired of staying in the same place… this episode will speak to you.

Use these to reconnect with yourself, with your season, and with what courageous action might look like for you:

• Where in your life are you staying because it feels familiar — not because it feels aligned?
• What feels heavier right now: staying where you are, or imagining yourself taking the next step?
• What small step could you take that would build your courage, even if it feels uncomfortable?

• What season do I say I’m in right now?
• What does this season actually require of me — rest, healing, preparation, or movement?
• Am I honoring this season honestly, or am I using it to avoid a decision I already know I need to make?

• What am I afraid will happen if I take this step?
• What am I afraid will happen if I don’t?
• Where might God be asking me to trust Him instead of waiting to “feel ready”?

• Who am I becoming in this season of my life?
• What would the courageous, aligned version of me stop tolerating?
• What courageous action would she take, even if it feels uncomfortable?

• What is one small step I can take this week that aligns with growth, not comfort?
• What support, boundary, or prayer would help me take that step?

It would mean so much if you:
⭐️ Leave a rating & review
📲 Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement
🔔 Follow or Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a new episode

Your support means the world to me and allows me to keep bringing you conversations that inspire clarity, growth, and confidence.

🔗 Check out the CLARITY COMPASS HERE

Connect with me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitreporter

Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: JOIN NEWSLETTER HERE

Host/Producer: Luz Plasencia

Thank you for starting the year with me.
Here’s to becoming the courageous version of ourselves we were called to be.

If traditional goal setting feels overwhelming, exhausting, or no longer fits your life, this episode is for you.

In this solo episode of Unleash Your Light w/ Luz, we’re rethinking goal setting for women who still want to achieve big dreams but without burnout, hustle culture, or sacrificing what matters most. I’m sharing three powerful mindset shifts that are changing the way I’m planning for 2026, rooted in identity, alignment, and real-life capacity.

This episode is especially for women navigating midlife, motherhood, business, career growth, or personal evolution who are ready to set goals in a more peaceful, sustainable way.

🎧 Grab a pen, save this episode, and give yourself space to reflect—this one is meant to be revisited.

✨ The Identity Shift: Be → Do → Have
Why starting with who you’re becoming (instead of what you want to achieve) makes goals feel lighter, clearer, and more attainable.

✨ Planning for Your Reality, Not Your Fantasy
How to set goals that actually fit your current season of life—your energy, responsibilities, and priorities—so they don’t fall apart by February.

✨ Stop Writing Goals, Start Writing Visions
Why vision-based planning activates motivation, clarity, and alignment—and how to write a vision that naturally reveals your true goals.

✨ Practical reflection questions
To help you evaluate what’s draining you, what’s supporting you, and where your energy is best spent as you move into the new year.

If you were listening and thought, “I don’t want to set goals the old way anymore,” I created something to help you take this work further.

The Clarity Compass is my 5-day self-paced program designed to help you:
✨ Create a clear personal vision
✨ Understand your current season of life
✨ Design aligned, realistic goals that actually feel doable

Limited-time bonus:
When you enroll in The Clarity Compass, you’ll receive a free 30-minute 1:1 session with me, where we’ll walk through your vision, goals, and next steps together.

Start here: 🔗 Check out the CLARITY COMPASS HERE

If this episode resonated with you, here are a few simple ways to support Unleash Your Light w/ Luz and help the podcast grow:

⭐ Like & Subscribe / Follow the show so you never miss an episode
⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify, it truly helps more listeners find the show
⭐ Share this episode with a friend who’s ready for a more aligned way of setting goals

Your support means the world to me and allows me to keep bringing you conversations that inspire clarity, growth, and confidence.

Until next time friend! Go out there and shine your light!!

Connect with me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitreporter

Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: JOIN NEWSLETTER HERE

Host/Producer: Luz Plasencia

Goal setting for women • Goal setting without burnout • Identity-based habits • Be Do Have mindset • Aligned goal setting • Vision planning • Midlife growth • Personal development • Sustainable success • Planning for 2026 • Atomic Habits mindset • Self-alignment

In this episode of Unleash Your Light w/ Luz, we dive into the powerful and inspiring story of Rachel DiSalvo, a trailblazing realtor, entrepreneur, and woman whose journey shows what’s possible when resilience meets purpose. Rachel shares her real, raw upbringing in Canarsie, Brooklyn, where she grew up surrounded by crime, drugs, and limited opportunities. She opens up about how those early experiences shaped her perspective, fueled her ambition, and pushed her to rewrite her future.

Rachel also reflects on the negative encounters she had with educators who discouraged her and how those moments left a lasting impact on her confidence, but ultimately inspired her to rise above and strive for more. Our conversation takes a surprising turn as she describes her early career in the fashion industry, revealing the unexpected moments that nudged her toward a different path. That shift eventually led her into the dynamic world of real estate, where she found her calling. Rachel talks candidly about the highs and lows of working as a realtor, sharing what it really takes to build a successful career, from navigating challenges to celebrating hard-earned wins.

She also offers invaluable advice, emphasizing the importance of determination, adaptability, and a genuine willingness to learn. Whether you're exploring a real estate career, craving a motivational story, or simply love hearing from inspiring women who reinvent their lives, Rachel’s journey is packed with insight and encouragement. Watch now and be inspired by Rachel’s incredible story of resilience, reinvention, and rising above the odds. 🔔

Subscribe to the show for more real conversations about purpose, overcoming challenges, and becoming who you were always meant to be. Share, and leave a review to help grow our community. Let’s unleash our light together!

You can follow Rachel on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/rachel_the_realtor Connect with Luz: Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitreporter Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: https://carefree-cloud-68881.myflodesk.com/z85fsycn9o

Producer/Host: Luz Plasencia

Producer/Editor: Yaima Crespo

Real estate career tips, realtor success story, women in real estate, New York realtor, New Jersey realtor, Brooklyn success story, overcoming adversity podcast, career change motivation, women entrepreneurs podcast, real estate advice for beginners, Canarsie Brooklyn story, inspirational women interviews, Luz Plasencia, Unleash Your Light with Luz podcast

You’ve worked hard to create a beautiful life - a career, family, home, achievements and you are grateful. But at the same time… something feels off. You’re stretched too thin, restless, or quietly wondering: “Is this really it?”

In this episode of Unleash Your Light, Luz gets real about the tension so many women experience but rarely admit out loud: loving your life while craving more. She shares her own journey from TV reporter to life coach, the guilt that comes with wanting change, and why gratitude and growth are not opposites—they actually belong together.

You’ll walk away with three practical strategies to help you release the guilt, reclaim your time, and give yourself permission to want more without shame.

Because you don’t have to choose between being thankful and being fulfilled. You get to have both.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

-Why it’s normal to feel like something’s missing—even when you’re grateful

-How Luz realized success on paper didn’t equal presence in life

-The difference between healthy gratitude and toxic gratitude

-A simple reframe that takes you out of guilt and into possibility

Three tools you can start using today: The Permission Reframe, The Simplify Exercise, and The 10-Minute Clarity Pause

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

***Enroll in The 5-Day Clarity Compass course → https://carefree-cloud-68881.myflodesk.com/claritycompass

***Book your free 30-minute coaching call with Luz → https://calendly.com/coachingwithluz/free-30-min-discovery-call

🔔 Subscribe to the show for more real conversations about midlife, purpose, and becoming who you were always meant to be.

Share, and leave a review to help grow our community. Let’s unleash our light together!

Connect with Luz: Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitreporter

Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: https://carefree-cloud-68881.myflodesk.com/koomjp634g

Host/Producer: Luz Plasencia
Producer/Editor: Yaima Crespo

Click HERE to Support the Show:

Why Support "Unleash Your Light w/ Luz"

If this podcast has ever inspired you to take action on your dreams, offered comfort during tough times, or reminded you of your power as a woman, consider supporting Unleash Your Light w/ Luz. Every episode is created with love and intention to uplift, motivate, and empower women—especially moms—who are navigating life’s transitions while chasing purpose. Your support helps me continue sharing real conversations, practical coaching tools, and heart-led encouragement to remind more women that their light matters. Whether it’s $3, $5 or $10, your contribution goes a long way in keeping this mission alive and growing.

Support the show

Balancing Motherhood, Medicine, and Motivation with Dr. Kim Hatchett

In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Dr. Kim Johnson Hatchett—a neurologist, hospital administrator, wife, and mom of two—to talk about women’s health, resilience, and the power of pursuing your passion no matter your age or circumstances. Dr. Kim shares her journey from business school to pharmaceutical sales, and ultimately, to medical school in her 30s. She opens up about the challenges she faced along the way, including divorce, rejection letters, and long nights working while taking prerequisites. Her story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to go after what you’re truly called to do.

We also dive into brain health, the importance of listening to your body, and how women often dismiss symptoms that can point to serious conditions like stroke. Dr. Kim shares practical advice on prioritizing wellness, creating an environment that supports your goals, and embracing small daily steps that lead to lasting health. This episode is full of motivation and wisdom—whether you’re looking to make a career change, improve your health, or simply need the reminder that you already have the power to create the life you want.

🔔 Subscribe to the show for more real conversations about midlife, purpose, and becoming who you were always meant to be.

Share, and leave a review to help grow our community. Let’s unleash our light together!

***Every week, I'll choose a lucky listener who leaves me a review, and they'll win a special prize! Just make sure you're following the show and you'll be entered into the weekly raffle. 

Connect with Luz:

• Instagram: @fitreporter
• Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: JOIN HERE

Let's work together:

• Work One-on-one with Luz: Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like there’s never enough time for your dreams and goals? Let’s change that. Luz will help you uncover what’s holding you back, get clear on your goals, and create a simple, actionable plan to help you move forward—without sacrificing your well-being or family time. It’s time to stop spinning your wheels and start building the life you truly want with Intention. 
• Click here to book your call today, and let’s make 2025 your year of transformation! Book a free call with Luz to align with your goals and start creating your dream life. Click here to schedule!

Click HERE to Support the Show:

Why Support "Unleash Your Light w/ Luz"

If this podcast has ever inspired you to take action on your dreams, offered comfort during tough times, or reminded you of your power as a woman, consider supporting Unleash Your Light w/ Luz. Every episode is created with love and intention to uplift, motivate, and empower women—especially moms—who are navigating life’s transitions while chasing purpose. Your support helps me continue sharing real conversations, practical coaching tools, and heart-led encouragement to remind more women that their light matters. Whether it’s $3, $5 or $10, your contribution goes a long way in keeping this mission alive and growing.

Support the show

Sky‑high tuition? Not on Crystal Goliday’s watch.
In today’s episode of Unleash Your Light with Luz, we meet Crystal Goliday “The Fund Finder for Education” —the woman who earned 3 college degrees with ZERO student‑loans and now helps families do the same.

🎙️ What you’ll learn
Step‑by‑step funding game plan: how to start the scholarship hunt in elementary school, run a 30‑minute “Money Monday” routine, and keep a brag‑sheet that wins free cash.
Mindset reset: simple tricks to crush imposter syndrome by celebrating your past wins.
Lifelong learning challenge: Crystal’s call to “feed your mind, heart, and soul” every single day.
👀 Why watch?
If you’re a parent, student, or anyone dreaming of debt‑free college, Crystal breaks down the exact moves—and the motivation—you need to make it real.

💡 Resources & links

 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss more powerful stories from resilient women of color.

🎁 Free Resources: 

Connect with Crystal:
Crystal Goliday: https://www.crystalgoliday.com/
IG: www.instagram.com/crystalgoliday
www.instagram.com/neverunderestimateknowledge/
Federal Student Aid (U.S. Dept. of Education): https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/scholarships?utm_source=chatgpt.com
CareerOneStop Scholarship Finder (U.S. Dept. of Labor): https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-scholarships.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Connect with Luz: Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitreporter

Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: https://carefree-cloud-68881.myflodesk.com/z85fsycn9o

Work One-on-one with Luz: 
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like there’s never enough time for your dreams and goals? Let’s change that. Luz will help you uncover what’s holding you back, get clear on your goals, and create a simple, actionable plan to help you move forward—without sacrificing your well-being or family time. It’s time to stop spinning your wheels and start building the life you truly want with Intention. 
Click below to book your call today and let’s make 2025 your year of transformation! Book a free call with Luz to align with your goals and start creating your dream life. 
https://calendly.com/coachingwithluz/free-30-min-discovery-call


Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help grow our community. Let’s unleash our light together! Every week, I'll pick one person (via raffle) who subscribes and leaves me a comment or review and they'll get a special gift from me. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @fitreporter to see if you win.

Support the show

Are you in your 40s or 50s and wondering, “Why can’t I push like I used to?”

Fatigue, brain fog, sleepless nights, and the constant pressure to do more—it’s not in your head. It’s midlife, and your body is asking you to shift into a new rhythm.

In this episode of Unleash Your Light w/ Luz, I’m sharing why so many midlife women feel burned out—and how you can redefine success, honor your energy, and still build a beautiful life you love without hustling yourself into the ground.

🎙️ We cover:

Why your body is asking you to slow down (yes, it’s science)

The evolutionary truth about this powerful life stage

How to be successful without being exhausted

Real examples of how to shift in life, work, motherhood, and relationships

✨ You’re not broken. You’re evolving.

🔔 Subscribe to the show for more real conversations about midlife, purpose, and becoming who you were always meant to be.

Share, and leave a review to help grow our community. Let’s unleash our light together!

***Every week, I'll choose a lucky listener who leaves me a review, and they'll win a special prize! Just make sure you're following the show and you'll be entered into the weekly raffle. 

Connect with Luz:

• Instagram: @fitreporter
• Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: JOIN HERE

Let's work together:

• Work One-on-one with Luz: Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like there’s never enough time for your dreams and goals? Let’s change that. Luz will help you uncover what’s holding you back, get clear on your goals, and create a simple, actionable plan to help you move forward—without sacrificing your well-being or family time. It’s time to stop spinning your wheels and start building the life you truly want with Intention. 
• Click here to book your call today, and let’s make 2025 your year of transformation! Book a free call with Luz to align with your goals and start creating your dream life. Click here to schedule!

Click HERE to Support the Show:

Why Support "Unleash Your Light w/ Luz"

If this podcast has ever inspired you to take action on your dreams, offered comfort during tough times, or reminded you of your power as a woman, consider supporting Unleash Your Light w/ Luz. Every episode is created with love and intention to uplift, motivate, and empower women—especially moms—who are navigating life’s transitions while chasing purpose. Your support helps me continue sharing real conversations, practical coaching tools, and heart-led encouragement to remind more women that their light matters. Whether it’s $3, $5 or $10, your contribution goes a long way in keeping this mission alive and growing.

Support the show

Support the show

In this episode of Unleash Your Light with Luz, we’re getting real about avoidance and how it’s keeping you stuck.

Avoidance doesn’t always look like hiding. Sometimes it shows up as:

• Overthinking every little move
• Filling your schedule with endless tasks
• Telling yourself “you’ll start later”… again and again

Sound familiar?

This episode will help you recognize the subtle ways you’re holding yourself back—and give you the mindset shift (and small actions) to start moving forward again.

Your breakthrough isn’t in doing more. It’s in facing what you’ve been avoiding. 

Whether you're a working mom, a woman building her dream, or someone who’s tired of circling the same mountain—this one’s for you.

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
📲 Share with a friend who’s ready to stop avoiding and start activating!

Connect with Luz:

• Instagram: @fitreporter
• Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: JOIN HERE

Call to Action:

• Work One-on-one with Luz: Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like there’s never enough time for your dreams and goals? Let’s change that. Luz will help you uncover what’s holding you back, get clear on your goals, and create a simple, actionable plan to help you move forward—without sacrificing your well-being or family time. It’s time to stop spinning your wheels and start building the life you truly want with Intention. 
• Click here to book your call today and let’s make 2025 your year of transformation! Book a free call with Luz to align with your goals and start creating your dream life. Click here to schedule!

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help grow our community. Let’s unleash our light together!

Click HERE to Support the Show:

Why Support "Unleash Your Light w/ Luz"

If this podcast has ever inspired you to take action on your dreams, offered comfort during tough times, or reminded you of your power as a woman, consider supporting Unleash Your Light w/ Luz. Every episode is created with love and intention to uplift, motivate, and empower women—especially moms—who are navigating life’s transitions while chasing purpose. Your support helps me continue sharing real conversations, practical coaching tools, and heart-led encouragement to remind more women that their light matters. Whether it’s $3, $5 or $10, your contribution goes a long way in keeping this mission alive and growing.

Support the show