Embark on a rejuvenating adventure with Alma, a beacon of strength from New Mexico, as she shares how a serene escape to Mendocino County's redwood forests and the simple joy of searching for banana slugs brought unexpected delight into her life. Through our engaging conversation, Alma's infectious enthusiasm for rediscovering life's pleasures, self-care, and the serenity of nature is guaranteed to inspire you to seek out your own moments of tranquility and happiness.

The heart of this episode touches upon Alma's intimate battle with mobility challenges following a car accident and her transformation into a devoted homeschooling mother. Her candid narrative reveals the life-altering embrace of a revolutionary medical device that dramatically enhanced her quality of life in 2022. Listen closely as Alma's resilience shines through, painting a poignant picture of the indomitable will of a mother's love, the daily struggles with chronic pain, and the wonders of medical innovation that can change lives.

Alma's journey is a profound lesson in vulnerability and the strength that comes from seeking help. She opens up about the complexities of sharing health struggles, the internal battle against pride, and the transformative power of embracing one's need for support. Her experiences underscore the importance of faith, community, and the courage to ask for help—as well as the hope and resilience that can be found in the face of adversity. Join us for a heartfelt episode that celebrates the everyday heroism of overcoming life's hurdles with grace and determination.

Support the Show.

Discover the power of perseverance and reinvention with Karin Christoff, as she shares her extraordinary transition from adapting to a new life in the United States to serving in the US Army. Karin's story is a beacon of hope, illustrating how embracing a new language and culture can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth. From the initial trials of working alongside her mother to mastering English and the unique challenges she faced while beginning her military service later in life, Karin's experiences underscore the essence of resilience.

Embarking on a bold career transformation, Karen takes us through her development from one profession to the next, eventually finding her calling in the realm of fitness apparel with her brand, Fierce Knockouts. This chapter of her life was sparked by her own battles with depression and the frustration of searching for workout clothes that cater to diverse body shapes. Her insight into the creation of a brand that empowers and includes everyone speaks volumes about understanding customer needs and the transformative power of finding your niche.

As we wrap up, Karin's tale serves as a rallying cry for those yearning to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Her candid recount of the highs and lows faced on this path, from the initial concept to the reality of product development, resonates with anyone who's stood at the precipice of starting something new. The conversation is not just about the achievements but also about the community and connections that sustain us through the journey. Join us as we celebrate Karin's indomitable spirit and be inspired to take action on your dreams with the support of the MAMI on a Mission community.

Fierce Knockout website:
https://fierceknockouts.com/
Follow on Instagram

More on MAMI on a Mission
https://mamionamission.com
https://www.facebook.com/mamionamission/
https://www.instagram.com/mamionamissionpodcast/

Support the Show.

When LJ, CEO of LJ Global Communications, dropped by our podcast this month, the conversation lit up with stories of resilience, empowerment, and the transformative potential of children's literature. April, recognized globally as Autism Awareness Month, served as the perfect backdrop for this exchange, echoing the sentiments of inclusivity and education. Our chat traversed the birth of the Baker Series, books that champion the unique gifts of individuals with autism through the power of storytelling, while also diving into the nuts and bolts of self-publishing and the joy of seeing one's vision come alive on the page.

This episode reaches into the heart of advocacy and community support, discussing how small businesses and educational systems can play a pivotal role in nurturing environments where diversity is not only accepted but celebrated. As we navigated the narrative journey of the Baker Series, the discussion highlighted the series' mission to open minds and doors within the educational sphere, fostering critical discussions and bringing valuable resources to both schools and homes. The power of collaboration over competition became a beacon, reflecting the collective effort required to elevate the voices and experiences of those on the autism spectrum.

Stitching together a tapestry of shared experiences, the episode wraps with a focus on the community of authors and the impact of our stories. I share a touching personal anecdote about how a fellow author's work provided a mirror for my grandson's life on the spectrum, proving that our storytelling efforts ripple through lives in meaningful ways. In closing, the call to action is simple yet profound: engage, support, and continue the conversation, because the journey toward empathy and understanding is one we all share.

More on Lafrieda LJ Smith:
https://www.lafriedasmith.com/
Instagram

The Baker Series Books:
Top of the Muffin to You
The Big Salad

More on MAMI on a Mission
https://mamionamission.com
Instagram
Facebook

Grab your book:
MAMI on a Mission-A Guide Towards Healing, Self-Discovery, and Walking in Confidence

Support the Show.

As the sun sets on another Autism Awareness Month, I'm joined by two remarkable women, Veronica and Jennifer, whose stories of parenting autistic children bring both shadows and light into our studio. Their tales navigate more than just the labyrinth of the education system. They delve into personal struggles and the triumphs of raising children on the spectrum. Veronica, with her dual expertise as an educator and a mother, and Jennifer, embodying the resilience of a single parent, become beacons of hope, guiding us through their daily lives filled with advocacy, adaptation, and unconditional love for their extraordinary children.

It's a tapestry woven from moments of joy, threads of challenge, and the collaborative efforts of parents and specialized educators. Together, we craft a narrative that's not just about managing behavior but about cherishing and supporting our children in their fullness.

In the spirit of community and shared experience, our final thoughts turn to the broader landscape of autism education. We engage in a hopeful dialogue about the evolution of support and the dream that progress will mirror the strides made for other learning disabilities. To those who make it their life's work to understand and aid autistic students, our gratitude knows no bounds. We extend an invitation to you, our listeners, to join this community and amplify the chorus of voices advocating for change, awareness, and the celebration of every unique individual within the autism spectrum.

To learn more about Austism and what you can do to help:
https://www.autismspeaks.org/

More on MAMI on a Mission:
https://mamionamission.com

Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/mamionamission/
https://www.instagram.com/mamionamissionpodcast/

Support the Show.

When Wendy Ramirez, the CEO of Lovingly Bold, first peddled gel pens as a spirited young entrepreneur, little did she know it would be the spark for a future ablaze with boldness and vision. Now, she's sitting down with me, Mariana, on the MAMI on a Mission podcast to share her vibrant story of growth, cultural pride, and forging an entrepreneurial path that has impacted businesses globally. Our heartfelt conversation navigates Wendy's remarkable journey, her transformative self-discovery in South Korea, and the strategic moves that have defined her success.

Feel the courage coursing through your veins as we swap tales of turning points and the emotional rollercoaster of dipping our toes into entrepreneurial waters. From my own unexpected leap into business ownership to the audacious choice of a fellow entrepreneur to leave her secure job at Sephora, we're peeling back the curtain on the raw, the real, and the resolve it takes to pursue a higher calling. Whether you're flirting with a side hustle or knee-deep in your own venture, our stories are the companions you didn't know you needed to keep your dreams fiercely alive.

And what's a mission without a growth strategy? In this episode, we toast to authenticity, the Latina community, and the enigmatic dance of personal and business development. As we examine how pandemic pivots can lead to unexpected opportunities, we're also diving into the significance of effective self-promotion and marketing mastery in crafting a flourishing enterprise. With insights on how to communicate your value and use your unique voice to empower others, we're lighting the way for you to chase that "more" you've been yearning for in both business and life. Join us, and let's turn that spark into a flame.

How to connect with Wendy:
IG: @lovinglybold
Website: https://www.lovinglybold.com

How to connect with Mariana:
IG: @mamionamissionpodcast
Website: https://mamionamission.com

Support the Show.

Have you ever found yourself inexplicably hindered on the road to your dreams, almost as if you were the one putting up the roadblocks? I'm Mariana, your guide through the murky waters of self-sabotage, and in today's soul-stirring episode, we venture deep into the heart of why we often become our own worst enemies. I'm laying bare my battles with financial self-sabotage, offering a mirror to your own struggles and showing you that these patterns, born from our pasts and fears, can be broken.

We're more than just our mistakes, and this conversation shines a light on weapons of personal empowerment like journaling, positive affirmations, and the delicate art of seeking validation without becoming dependent on it. As your fellow traveler on this journey, I recount the peaks and valleys of my path, from the anxiety of book writing to the triumph of overcoming imposter syndrome. It's about acknowledging our progress, practicing self-compassion, and understanding that sometimes, 'done' is better than 'perfect' to circumvent the paralysis of perfectionism.

To end on an inspiring note, we examine how stepping out of our comfortable spaces can lead to profound growth. I share my leap into emceeing a summit, integrating running into my life, and the role of mentors in achieving a harmonious work-life balance. It's a call to arms for all of us, especially the mothers and aspiring entrepreneurs, to push past the fears and limiting beliefs that hold us back. So join me, and let's embrace the courage to heal, grow, and achieve what once seemed impossible.

Website: https://mamionamission.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamionamissionpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamionamission/

Support the Show.

Have you ever unwrapped a compliment only to find a critique hidden inside? My own birthday celebration brought this bittersweet reality to the forefront, leaving a lingering taste of self-doubt and reflection. Throughout the episode, I bear my soul, sharing a deeply personal journey from the sting of backhanded praise to the transformative power of genuine affirmation. As we traverse the cultural intricacies and silent expectations woven into the fabric of Latina communication, the conversation takes a tender turn with an eye-opening exchange between my daughter and me. This poignant moment redefines the essence of mindful speech and the profound impact it has on our self-esteem and the fortifying bonds of our relationships.

Words carry the weight of worlds, a truth poignantly illustrated through the heart-wrenching stories of lives deeply scarred by callous words. Drawing from the wisdom of Proverbs 16:24, this episode serves as a stark reminder of the dual-edged sword that is our speech, wielded with the power to heal or harm. I guide listeners through the emotional battlefield of cyberbullying and personal loss, including my sister's battle with its indelible scars, to emerge with a message of resilience and hope. As we close, I extend an invitation to continue this vital conversation on recognizing our inherent value, the courage to confront and challenge when necessary, and the unyielding belief in the unique light that each of us holds within.

https://www.facebook.com/mamionamission/
https://www.instagram.com/holamamionamission/
https://mamionamission.com

Support the Show.

Have you ever wondered how the scars of trauma can be transformed into a beacon of light for others? Janine Hernandez, best-selling author and founder of the Book Publishing Academy, takes us through her riveting journey from the darkness of narcissistic abuse to the brilliance of empowering others through storytelling. In our intimate conversation, Janine shares the raw and transformative process behind her book, "Light in a Time of Darkness," which she penned in a mere 13 days as a therapeutic form of self-expression. Her story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of writing as a healing art.

Step into the world of a woman who traded the security of corporate America for the adventure of nurturing writers' dreams. As a revered book coach, Janine Hernandez extends her wisdom and experience to those eager to narrate their own stories. In anticipation of the fourth annual Book Publishing Academy Summit, Janine gives us a sneak peek into the event that promises to arm future authors with the tools of the trade. From the essentials of self-publishing to the nuances of sales and marketing, this summit is designed to sculpt successful author-entrepreneurs. Join us for this episode where courage meets creativity, and learn how you, too, can turn life's trials into a timeless tale.

More on Janine:
Website: https://bookpublishingacademy.org/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/bookpublishingacademy/
Grab Your Tickets: https://www.bookloading.com/

More on MAMI on a Mission:
https://mamionamission.com
https://www.facebook.com/mamionamission/
https://www.instagram.com/holamamionamission/

Support the Show.