Tag: art

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

You can find me here:

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