Woman Wednesday: Elena

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Woman Wednesday: Lychee

Q and A with Lychee from Brussels, Belgium

“…whenever you think a story has ended, there is always a new beginning coming...”


Q: Tell us about yourself. What are you passionate about? 

A: I’m passionate about well-being, in-bodiment, good music, shaking that booty, and eating healthy!

Açaï in particular is amazing!

[Lychee is an alchemist, herbalist, and psychosomatic therapist at AINÚ holistic therapy, as well as a certified yoga instructor.]



Q: What were your younger years like?

A: Growing up in a separated household, I mostly looked up to my older brother, who has a beautiful mix of both masculine leadership and feminine radiance. He’s now married with two beautiful children and co-creating therapy with his wife, as they are both psychologists.



Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: I think one thing that I’ve learned is that whenever you think a story has ended, there is always a new beginning coming; it’s really just a matter of perspective. Sounds cliché? That’s because it is!

I also hid away a lot as a kid, could easily play, doodle, read, or listen to music and stories for hours on repetition. Not that those qualities are completely gone; but as an adult, I do value the sense of togetherness and sharing time a bit more.


Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: Feminism means many a thing, but to me, it represents freedom where in other ways softness, vulnerability, and adaptability have been mistaken for weakness and/or prone to only one gender.

As the copy dude in friends would say: we are the same, yet we are not. It’s in those different flavors that we can marinate life and in-joy ourselves.

All those different experiences and make-up is not what defines us, but it does allow for certain processes and patterns affecting our decisions. I think (self) respect has something to do with it too. And love. A LOT of self-love.


Thank you for reading!

Thoughts, questions, or comments? Comment below!

Woman Wednesday: Jennifer S.

Q and A with Jennifer S. from Conway, South Carolina, USA

“Honesty goes a long way when dealing with clients, and honesty will get you more business because you build relationships and trust.”


Q: Tell us about yourself. What are you passionate about? 

A: I am a seamstress and quilter. I began sewing when I was five or so. I would sew with my mom and gram. I went through high school and took all the home economics (home ec) classes I could and then became a home ec teacher. While I was teaching, I continued sewing for myself and others. I taught for 25 years and then quit my job in education and moved. When I couldn’t find a job that I truly was passionate about, I decided to do my business full time. I have been making quilts and doing alterations for people as a full-time job, along with my Etsy shop, where I have a quilt pattern for sale and I sometimes list quilts for sale.




Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I grew up with one sibling. My mom was a nurse, and my dad a coal miner. We were a fairly frugal family, and I would make my clothes and prom dresses to get exactly what I wanted rather than buy what everyone else would have at the school. I learned how to do tile and carpet/flooring work from my dad because he also did that as a part-time job. It was helpful when I moved as I started a job in that field and was a top producer for the company but hated what I was doing after while, so I came back to what I love.





Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: I was always taught that hard work and doing your best built good character. I never take on a job that I know I’m not able to do just to make some money. Honesty goes a long way when dealing with clients, and honesty will get you more business because you build relationships and trust.


Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: Feminism to me is having equality of the sexes. Feminism is a dynamic concept that is constantly adjusting to things in the world. I am able to many things men can do (carpeting a home, installing LVP/laminate, installing tile, changing a tire and oil, etc.). And sewing isn’t women’s work; many men make beautiful quilts and clothing, and people don’t always see that. I feel, if you really want to know how to do something, even if it considered a job not for your gender, you can learn it and be good at it and maybe even better than those who came before you. Work hard to be your best!




MORE ABOUT JENNIFER: I am a mother of three, and a wife of 27 years. I love the flexibility my career has given me to travel and visit my kids. I worked hard to get myself to where I am now, and I want others to know they can do the same.


Thank you for reading!

Thoughts, questions, or comments? Comment below!

Woman Wednesday: Nadine

Q and A with Nadine from the beautiful island nation of Niue

“There is power in knowing who you are.”


Q: Tell us about yourself. What are you passionate about? 

A: I’m passionate about empowering women and preserving my Niuean culture, both locally and globally. As Director of Miss Niue Australia, I strive to inspire young women and share Niue’s beauty with the world.


We’ve launched the Miss Niue Australia Pageant, which has paved the way for additional initiatives that promote cultural preservation and women’s empowerment. These include “Who Is She,” a platform that highlights the qualities of a strong Niuean ambassador; “Celebrate Her Story,” a series that honors Niuean women of excellence from all generations, sharing their achievements and stories; and the “Niue Walk-About Series,” which showcases our 13 villages in Niue.



These initiatives align with our vision of women empowerment, and I’m excited to continue growing and developing programs that uplift and inspire our community. Through these efforts, I’m also committed to personal growth, continually learning, and adapting to best serve my community and preserve our rich cultural heritage.



Q: What were your younger years like?

A: Growing up in Hawaii and New Zealand, I was immersed in diverse cultures and experiences that broadened my perspective. My parents, Roger and Fuatino Jackson, founders of Miss Niue NZ, nurtured my love for culture and community engagement.



From a young age, I was involved in stage and pageantry, modeling for Pasifika Arts Fashion and participating in pageants like Miss Dream Girl NZ. I also gained valuable experience as a tutor and choreographer for various pageants, including Miss Pacific Islands NZ and Miss India/Asia NZ. Performing with groups like Echoes of the South Seas and Te Are Kari Oi further enriched my cultural understanding and self-confidence. These experiences shaped me into the person I am today.



Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: I’ve learned that cultural pride and community engagement are essential for personal growth and empowerment. Through Miss Niue Australia, I’ve seen firsthand how preserving and promoting cultural heritage can positively impact young women and the community.



I’d like to encourage others to explore and celebrate their own cultural roots. I also value one’s voice– speaking your truth and holding yourself accountable to what matters to you, regardless of what others think, is crucial.

If you believe in yourself, nothing can change your mind, if it’s for the greater good. In this world where we self-sabotage and compare, it can be challenging to block out the negativity and stay true to who you are. There is power in knowing who you are. Seeking out what’s already yours, what is meant to be will find you, with the right conviction. Knowing self is knowing God.



On a personal level, being a role model for my children and being their number one fan in all they do and achieve is paramount. They are my greatest achievements, and I’m committed to supporting and inspiring them every step of the way.


Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: To me, feminism means empowering women to lead independently, cultivate confidence, and build strong relationships.



As a leader and role model, I aim to promote these values and support young women in their personal and professional growth, helping them unlock their full potential. Through initiatives like Miss Niue Australia, I strive to create opportunities for women to shine, share their stories, and celebrate their achievements.



I believe in the importance of integrity, dignity, and excellence, and I strive to embody these values in my own life and work, inspiring others to do the same. By empowering women, we can build stronger, more resilient communities that benefit everyone.



MORE ABOUT NADINE: Born in the beautiful island nation of Niue, I was raised in the vibrant culture of Hawaii, where I first discovered my love for dance and performance.

At the age of 12, I had the courage to take the stage and perform in front of my first audience on my own–an experience that sparked a lifelong passion. I continued to nurture this passion through the years, and it remains a significant part of my life today.

I’ve also had the joy of sharing this passion with others, teaching dance and performance to those looking to express themselves and build confidence.

Later, I called New Zealand home and started my family, before settling in Australia, where I currently reside. My diverse upbringing has shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for cultural preservation and community engagement.


Thank you for reading!

Thoughts, questions, or comments? Comment below!

Woman Wednesday: Topaz

Q and A with Topaz, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

“…push past the fear and do it anyway.”


Q: What are you passionate about? 

A: I’m passionate about serving others, specifically women entrepreneurs who are looking to have a more fulfilled life. I want to support others’ life purpose and create balance and ease.

I spent over 16 years as a coach in various ways. I started out as a personal fitness coach and moved into an education role with the University of California Irvine. I taught leadership development courses at the ropes course for UCI and later became a corporate team building coach.

I spend every morning exercising, meditating, and sitting with my feelings. I love anything with water, so I live 15 minutes from the ocean. I am an avid paddle-boarder, and I love to surf.

I am currently working on my new life coaching business. I’ve never wanted anything more in my life and I can’t wait to support as many women as possible.


Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I grew up in a mountain town, population of 100. My house that I lived in did not have running water or electricity!

I learned how to do whatever it took to make “it” happen, this carried on through my adult life and career.

I think one of the most valuable quotes a past mentor told me when I said I was so overwhelmed I couldn’t even cope was, “When your cup starts to overflow, get a bigger cup.” This was a whole new perspective I had never thought before, and allowed me to take a birdseye view of my life. I realize that everything I want is possible.


Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: I want everyone to know two things: First is that you need to put your oxygen mask on first! This is so important to know that you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.

Second is that you will get triggered by fear, and it’s okay to feel those triggers and to push past the fear and do it anyway.


Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: Growing up, I was afraid of other women. I was afraid of rejection and not fitting in. It’s only recently that I discovered how incredible women are and embraced the power of the divine feminine.

So, to me, feminism is fully welcoming my fellow sisters with encouragement. I want us all to empower each other to grow and be stronger and love and support each other.


Thank you for reading! Connect with me here:

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I’d love to connect with you! 🙂

Thoughts, questions, or comments?