Detoxing from Dogma: A Q&A with Drenda Thomas Richards on Women’s Rights & Spiritual Freedom

Women's Journal Staff on July 12, 2024

By: Heather Burgett

Drenda Thomas Richards, a spiritual teacher, intuitive healer, and Amazon #1 Bestselling author, is renowned for her no-BS approach to personal and spiritual growth. With over 40 years of experience spanning multiple industries – from ministry to law enforcement to corporate – Richards is a formidable advocate for women’s empowerment and rights. Her latest article on Medium, “Unveiling the Subterfuge: Women’s Rights Under Siege,” delves into the current socio-political climate and the threats to women’s autonomy. In this exclusive Q&A, we explore her philosophies and insights further.

Q: What inspired you to write the article “Unveiling the Subterfuge: Women’s Rights Under Siege”?

Drenda Thomas Richards: The inspiration came from a moment of sheer disbelief when I heard a man on TV claim, “We have to make decisions on behalf of women,” to justify the Arizona Supreme Court’s recent upholding of the 1864 abortion ban. His statement underscored a larger, systemic issue where women’s autonomy is continuously undermined under the guise of protecting “family values.” I felt compelled to speak out against this blatant control and manipulation.

Q: In your article, you discuss the conditioning of evangelical Christian women. Can you elaborate on how this impacts their views on women’s rights?

Drenda Thomas Richards: Conservative evangelical Christian women are taught from a young age that the man is the head of the household, and women are to be homemakers. This indoctrination extends to their views on their own bodies, which are often seen as belonging to their husbands. The church uses fear to control women’s thoughts, actions, and votes. By embedding these beliefs deeply, women are conditioned to silence themselves and put others first, often at the expense of their own rights and well-being.

Q: How does your personal background influence your perspectives on these issues?

Drenda Thomas Richards: Growing up as a preacher’s kid in a conservative evangelical home, I’ve experienced firsthand the control and manipulation used in the name of religion. My journey from that dogmatic upbringing to becoming a spiritual teacher and subconscious mind expert has given me unique insights into how these limiting beliefs shape our lives. I’ve moved away from high-control religion to embrace a more empowering and liberating approach to spirituality.

Q: What sets your approach apart from others in your industry?

Drenda Thomas Richards: I blend faith and intuitive healing to help people uncover and release their limiting and sabotaging beliefs quickly. As a certified hypnotist and Reiki Master, I provide a holistic approach to transformation that combines subconscious reprogramming, spiritual guidance, and practical strategies. My no-BS attitude means I don’t shy away from tough conversations, helping clients address the root causes of their challenges head-on.

Q: Your article touches on the broader implications of restricting women’s rights. Can you speak to that?

Drenda Thomas Richards: Restricting women’s rights to abortion and birth control is just the beginning. These actions set a dangerous precedent for other rights to be taken away, not just for women but for various vulnerable populations. This control over women’s bodies could extend to discriminatory practices in healthcare, employment, and beyond. It’s crucial to recognize and resist these attempts to erode our freedoms under the guise of moral or political agendas.

Q: How do you envision your impact and that of Sacred Soul in the coming years?

Drenda Thomas Richards: I aim to continue empowering women to release limiting beliefs and embrace their true potential. In the near future, I plan to relaunch my podcast, Taboo Talk, and my YouTube channel, where we will discuss topics that the church and society often avoid. Ultimately, I envision offering a holistic wellness retreat that combines coaching, yoga, spiritual guidance, and nutrition, providing a sanctuary for profound transformation.

Q: What message do you want to convey to women through your work and writings?

Drenda Thomas Richards: Speak up, or at least vote, in alignment with YOUR values and beliefs, not what the church, media, or even your family says. Trust your gut and question things that don’t feel right. Your beliefs and rights are important. Women deserve autonomy over their own bodies and lives. It’s time we remember our power and act on it.

Drenda Thomas Richards’ work is a call to action for women everywhere to reclaim their voices and their rights. Her fearless approach and dedication to women’s empowerment make her an invaluable guide in these turbulent times.

To work with Richards, visit her website or connect on Instagram.

Published by: Nelly Chavez

Become a New You With Nadya Andre and Her Transformative Journey

Women's Journal Staff on July 12, 2024

One of the most exciting journeys for human beings is the one that takes them to their inner self. Understanding every portion of our being takes courage, a strong character, and, most importantly, a trustworthy mentor. Nadya Andre is ready to accompany every person who wants to start this marvelous adventure.

Who is Nadya Andre: a woman, a seeker, a leading figure in the transformational journey of our times

Nadya Andre is a well-educated and motive-driven woman with experience in different aspects of life. Having taken many courses, undergone intensive training, and worked with sacred plants, she achieved inner peace and harmony.

Awareness is vital for a person who wants to start a self-discovery journey. Among other things, one must be open to new things and willing to make important decisions. Sometimes, such decisions shift the course of someone’s life. This is exactly what happened in Nadya’s case, as she learned how important it is for each person to understand where they stand, analyze how they live, and decide the type of life they want.

Traveling, among other things, gave Nadya the necessary perspective to grasp that there are other ways for a human being to see and comprehend life. She studied, worked, and lived in many places, such as Tel Aviv, New York, and Paris.

Nadya started her career as a marketing advisor and then did a master’s in fashion photography. Thus, she participated in numerous marketing endeavors and business projects. Dedicated to fashion photography, she traveled the world and gained the most valuable expertise: the one you get when truly relating to people.

A turning point in her life was when she came across the works of Carlos Castaneda, mainly known as the author of The Teachings of Don Juan. She studied all his books and began her journey toward personal development and self-awareness. Along the way, she would find power by building her resilience and calmness. Based on this new feeling of awareness and newly found confidence, she set out to pursue every one of her dreams, no matter how impossible they may have seemed in the first place.

From that moment on, for many years, she studied relentlessly and never stopped. Even today, she considers self-development and the acquisition of new knowledge to be key aspects of life. Thanks to her relentless inner search, she also became a valuable guide in other people’s paths. Nadya Andre got certifications in transformational training from the Toronto Erickson International University and a certification in the Theta Healing Institute of Knowledge. She also studied at the New Skills Academy in London and has undergone a master’s in transformational training in Los Angeles. Moreover, she took part in sessions by Tony Robbins and studied Ericksonian Hypnosis with Tatyana Larina.

After all this training, she now imparts her mental and emotional healing courses. One of her partners in this journey is Victoria Bonya, an expert in sacred plants. Together, they organize retreats where shamans guide people in their path toward their inner selves.

Nadya Andre helps many people achieve their goals, find their inner strength, and solve their emotional problems. Her main goal is to activate new and more positive paradigms in people’s minds so that each person can find and potentiate his/her unique talent. Thanks to this approach, it’s possible to transform a person’s life for the better, leading them into a brighter future where they can become their best versions.

Mastermind: an innovative approach to personal development

A New You With Nadya Andre and Her Transformative Journey

Photo Courtesy: Nadya Andre

Nadya Andre offers mentorship in Mastermind, which focuses on three main blocks: thoughts, habits, and forming one’s reality. The main goal is that people can solve their issues and answer their questions without needing a teacher, coach, or mentor. In other words, it offers an opportunity for self-empowering. Through her Mastermind sessions, Nadya takes the key aspects of her years of training and all her knowledge and passes it on to the people. This helps them save lots of time. By finding the proper approach quicker, the person can save him/herself years of pain, uncertainty, and aimless search.

The Mastermind training is virtually for everyone. For those who are already on their path but are not sure what to do with the knowledge they acquired, these sessions will bring light to what otherwise may be a chaos of ideas, tools, and theories. Experts will also find a place in this course. Mastermind is ideal for those who have plenty of knowledge and experience but still can’t achieve real measurable results.

In the first module, Nadya focuses on the secrets of personality. People will see their nature and the principles that made them who they are. Thus, it’s possible to understand how to change what they don’t like about themselves.

The second module is about forging a new personality. Trainees will detect the thoughts that hold them back and will be able to decide who they want to be.

Finally, the third module teaches individuals how to conduct themselves in their new being. It is time to learn how to be this new self in all environments and their relation to others. The ideal outcome of this process is that the individual can create his inner world and the necessary external conditions for this world to thrive.

Final thoughts

After we die, we don’t take our material possessions with us. Instead, we can only take what we’ve learned and achieved in our paths. This is why coaches like Nadya Andre are so important, especially in times of increasing uncertainty.

Through her deep knowledge and unique experience, Nadya Andre can teach people how to solve their existential problems and how to step hard on the transformative path, which is as challenging as it is rewarding.

Published By: Aize Perez

3 Times Heather Holmes Did Good Through Food

Women's Journal Staff on July 12, 2024

Publicity For Good is a disruptive public relations company that specializes in giving the best ideas in the market a chance to influence as many people as possible. Since their founding by Heather Holmes in 2016, they have worked with several purpose driven food companies, thus contributing to the overall betterment of the industry.

What follows below is a collection of case studies where Publicity For Good helped make the food industry better by helping some of its best ideas reach the sphere of public debate.

D’Artagnan

D’Artagnan is an extremely popular food purveyor founded by chef Ariane Daguin and is acclaimed for its ethically sourced animal ingredients and culinary excellence. As a brand, it became extremely popular for sustainable livestock practices with its extensive selection of free-range, antibiotic-, and hormone-free meats produced in small farms.

They procured the services of Publicity For Good, wanting to establish itself as a household name for high quality meat products. With their passion for making ethically sourced meat available for all, they were just the type of client the agency was looking for.

In the end, Publicity For Good was able to secure 192 media opportunities including high level media coverage such as The New York Times, Forbes, Martha Stewart Living, Parade, Business Insider, and Medium and a total reach of 44 billion within its target audience.

Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce

A beloved all-natural hot sauce brand that became known for offering a large variety of flavors and spices while always keeping the same level of quality throughout their product line.

Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce stands out for already being a well known and established brand that wanted to take their good reputation further and create a campaign to educate their audience on why their product was different and worth the love.

To achieve this, they trusted Publicity For Good with securing national and regional press engagements with the most relevant and prominent outlets available in the market, from TV shows to foodies, moms and spice lovers in general.

Over a year, PFG managed to secure no less than 109 media opportunities for their client, including some of the biggest names in the media like Yahoo!, Buzzfeed, Cosmopolitan, Audacy and Nosh On Me, amassing a total of 8.9 million in reach.

Kiolbassa

PhotoCourtesy: Publicity For Good

With a history that dates back to 1948, Kiolbassa meats produces handcrafted, gluten-free sausages that are filler and MSG free and preserves many traditional secrets to the production of small meats.

Their passion for making food without chemical additives and in a grounded and refined way made them a perfect fit for Publicity For Good, so when they reached out saying they wanted to increase brand awareness and educate the audience about their unique ways, it was impossible to refuse.

Publicity For Good landed a total of 41 live links for their client, including several large media names like Fox News Philadelphia, Focus, MSN and many more, generating a total reach of 16 billion media impressions within their target audience.

As one of the industries that most directly affects people’s everyday lives, the food market stands to gain the most from innovating. Therefore, if your company has a concept or product that would help make people’s lives better, Publicity For Good wants to meet you. You can contact them through Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, or directly through their website.

Published by: Nelly Chavez

Mandeville School of Music & Dance Highlights Piano Lessons for Kids

Women's Journal Staff on July 12, 2024

Dedicated to nurturing young talent through engaging music lessons in Mandeville, Louisiana.

Mandeville, LA, -12 July 2024 – Mandeville School of Music & Dance, a leading institution for performing arts education, is proud to highlight its exceptional piano lessons for kids. With a commitment to fostering a love for music and developing musical skills, Mandeville School of Music & Dance provides a nurturing environment for young pianists to thrive.

At Mandeville School of Music & Dance, piano lessons are designed to meet the needs and abilities of each student. The school’s experienced instructors use a variety of teaching techniques to ensure that students not only learn to play the piano but also develop a deep appreciation for music. “Music positively impacts a child’s academic performance, assists in developing social skills, and provides an outlet for creativity that is crucial to a child’s development.” source. Lessons are crafted to be engaging and fun, encouraging children to explore their musical potential. The curriculum includes a balanced mix of theory, technique, and performance opportunities, ensuring a solid musical foundation.

In addition to piano lessons for kids, Mandeville School of Music & Dance offers a wide range of music lessons. Students can choose from singing, guitar, violin, drums, and other instruments, allowing them to explore different musical avenues. This diversity in offerings helps students find their passion and develop a lifelong love for music.

The school also provides various dance programs, including ballet, hip hop, and toddler dance classes. For those interested in the performing arts, drama and acting classes are available, offering a well-rounded arts education. These programs are designed to complement the music lessons, providing students with a holistic approach to arts education.

Mandeville School of Music & Dance is dedicated to creating a supportive and inspiring learning environment. The school’s philosophy is centered around the belief that music education should be accessible and enjoyable for all children. By focusing on piano lessons for kids, the school aims to cultivate young musicians who are confident, skilled, and passionate about music. The school’s state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with the latest musical instruments and technology, providing students with an optimal learning environment.

The experienced faculty at Mandeville School of Music & Dance are not only skilled musicians but also passionate educators. They bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence, ensuring that each student receives the highest quality instruction. The instructors continuously update their teaching methods to incorporate the latest advancements in music education, keeping the lessons fresh and engaging.

In addition to the individual growth of its students, the Mandeville School of Music & Dance emphasizes community involvement and performance opportunities. Students are encouraged to participate in recitals, competitions, and community events, which help to build their confidence and performance skills. These events also allow students to showcase their talents and hard work to family, friends, and the broader community.

The school recognizes the importance of parental involvement in a child’s musical education. Mandeville School of Music & Dance encourages parents to be actively engaged in their child’s progress, providing regular updates and opportunities for parents to observe lessons. This collaboration between teachers, students, and parents helps to create a supportive environment that fosters growth and development.

About Mandeville School of Music & Dance

Mandeville School of Music & Dance is a leading provider of performing arts education in Mandeville, Louisiana. Offering a wide range of music lessons, including piano, singing, guitar, violin, drums, and more, the school is dedicated to fostering creativity and excellence in young musicians. In addition to music lessons, the school offers dance classes, drama classes, and toddler programs, providing a full arts education for students of all ages. The school’s commitment to excellence has earned it a reputation as one of the top music and dance schools in the region.

For more updates and to see our students in action, follow us on social media and use the hashtag #pianolessons to connect with our community.

Company Name: Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts – LAAPA
Campus: Mandeville School of Music & Dance
Contact Person: Bethany Lang, Assistant Director
Phone: (985) 674-2992
Address: 105 Campbell Ave STE 3
City: Mandeville
State: Louisiana
Postal Code: 70471
Country: United States
Website: https://www.laapa.com/mandeville/

Social Media:

Facebook
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Published By: Aize Perez

Motherhood and Business: Overcoming Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Women's Journal Staff on July 12, 2024

By: Jennica Griffin

Hello, my name is Jennica Griffin. On May 23, 1923, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Jabez Judah Griffin. In August 2022, I conceived a child, and I was so stressed out. I found out I was pregnant on October 17, 2022, almost three months later. My body wouldn’t allow me to keep anything down; I threw up every month on the minute and hour and was rushed to the nearest emergency room throughout the entire pregnancy.

One day, a friend of mine saw me at a local pharmacy, and I explained what was going on with my body. She explained to me that I had hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe nausea sickness that causes vomiting, dehydration, and dizziness. In order to treat this, you have to be hospitalized with IV fluids in your body. I was hospitalized several times due to this matter.

Two days prior to my due date, my mom and sister got me to my local hospital. The contractions were heavy, and I had to get an epidural. Then, the nurse explained to me that the doctor had to perform a C-section. When the nurse came into the room and explained the procedure, I was nervous.

I was on top of a table, fending for my dear life in the delivery room. All I saw were lights and doctors and nurses. They gave me more medication and proceeded to cut my stomach wide open to deliver my baby. All I felt was a lot of pressure from my stomach as it was pulled. I screamed, “Jesus,” and my baby was pulled from my stomach. When I opened my eyes, there I was with a baby boy who looked like an alien.

My family was there celebrating with me, bringing gifts and viewing the baby. I ate for three days, got some rest, and then my sister packed me and my baby boy up and brought us home. There I was with a newborn baby at night, trying to figure out how to get rest. My mom was by my side every step of the way for three months, making sure we rested, ate, and went to the doctor.

The real question kicked in: how do I co-parent with the father of my child? Co-parenting wasn’t easy for me because I was a new mother. The father of my child and I discussed several topics and we often disagreed on how to raise our child. That was the hardest thing I had to commit to in life. After three months of disagreeing, he finally met his family, his aunt, who he looked just like—her twin. She really came to me as a woman. I respect her for that. She sat me and my child’s father down and explained to us that the baby is innocent. A light bulb went off in my head, and I realized it wasn’t worth arguing back and forth with my child’s father.

Co-parenting became better. I started to build a great co-parenting relationship for my child’s future. The question was how I was going to work and build my empire while raising a kid and overcoming a few life struggles. I started to utilize my time and money more efficiently, speaking with different mothers and fathers in the local community to get different ideas.

Being a mom, working, and running a business can be very stressful. You have to create a balance for yourself and your kid. I call it a life budget of time and money. It’s the best feeling in the world.

Published by: Martin De Juan

Couplepreneurs: Strengthening Marriage Through Business

Women's Journal Staff on July 12, 2024

Running a business can be challenging, but doing it with your spouse can bring unparalleled benefits. Ozhan and Alaina Akcakaya, the dynamic duo behind HIT N MOVE, have found that working together not only enhances their professional success but also strengthens their marital bond.

A Unified Vision

Ozhan, the founder and CEO of HIT N MOVE, and his wife Alaina, who serves as Vice President of Public Relations, share a unified vision for their company. This shared purpose has been a key driver of both their business success and their relationship strength. When couples work towards common goals, it fosters a deeper connection and a sense of unity that is hard to achieve otherwise.

Building Trust Through Collaboration

Trust is a cornerstone of both marriage and business. For Ozhan and Alaina, working together has naturally deepened their trust in each other. They rely on open, honest communication to navigate the challenges of running a business. This constant collaboration has not only streamlined their business operations but also reinforced their mutual respect and trust.

Couplepreneurs Strengthening Marriage Through Business (2)

Photo Courtesy: Hit N Move

Adapting and Thriving

One of the greatest strengths of a family-run business is the ability to adapt. Ozhan and Alaina exemplify this through their flexible approach to roles and responsibilities. By supporting each other and leveraging their individual strengths, they manage to balance their professional and personal lives effectively. This adaptability is crucial in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and fostering a thriving relationship.

Commitment and Mutual Support

The commitment Ozhan and Alaina have towards their business reflects their dedication to each other. Their shared investment in HIT N MOVE drives them to excel, providing a stable foundation for their relationship. Moreover, having a partner who understands the intricacies of the business provides unparalleled emotional support, especially during tough times.

Creating a Legacy

For Ozhan and Alaina, HIT N MOVE is more than just a business—it’s a legacy. Their long-term vision goes beyond immediate success, aiming to establish a foundation for future generations. This shared mission has brought them closer together, giving their relationship a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Couplepreneurs Strengthening Marriage Through Business

Photo Courtesy: Hit N Move

The Journey of HIT N MOVE

Ozhan Akcakaya’s journey from the pharmaceutical industry to founding HIT N MOVE is marked by his passion for boxing and a desire to innovate. As a licensed amateur boxer with a background in medical science, Ozhan saw a need for better training equipment that could minimize injuries. This vision led to the creation of HIT N MOVE, which focuses on ergonomic and anatomically designed sports gear.

Alaina Akcakaya complements this vision with her expertise in Industrial Organizational Psychology. Her role as VP of Public Relations ensures that the company’s message reaches its audience effectively and that HIT N MOVE maintains a strong reputation. Her unique background in ergonomics and athletics provides valuable insights into enhancing the user experience.

Overcoming Challenges Together

Running a family business comes with its own set of challenges, such as potential conflicts and difficulty in separating work from personal life. The Akcakayas tackle these issues head-on by defining clear roles, maintaining professional boundaries, and holding regular business meetings. These strategies help them maintain a structured environment that supports both their business goals and their family life.

Summary

The story of Ozhan and Alaina Akcakaya and their journey with HIT N MOVE highlights the profound benefits of running a business with your spouse. Their shared vision, trust, adaptability, and mutual support have been instrumental in both their business success and marital happiness. As they continue to build their legacy, they show that a well-balanced approach to family and business can lead to extraordinary personal and professional fulfillment.

In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, Ozhan and Alaina’s experience serves as an inspiring example of how working together as a couple can enrich both your business and your marriage. Their journey underscores the strength of partnership and the unique advantages of a family-run business.

Published by: Khy Talara

The Story of Lady Redneck: Christian Country Sensation

Women's Journal Staff on July 12, 2024

Stephanie Lee, known to her fans as Lady Redneck, has been a beacon of inspiration and talent in the world of Christian country music. From her early days of performing and writing music to becoming a celebrated artist with multiple #1 hits on the UK iTunes Christian/Gospel Songs chart, Lady Redneck’s journey is a testament to her faith, authenticity, and unwavering passion for music.

Beginnings in Music and Embracing Christian Country

Lady Redneck’s musical journey began at a young age, performing and writing songs across various genres. However, country music always resonated deeply with her, aligning with her beliefs and personality. Reflecting on the pivotal year of 2020, Stephanie shares how it shaped her path towards Christian music. “2020 wasn’t the ideal year, and it brought out a lot of anger and contention in me,” she admits. By December, a deep soul-searching led her to a profound realization: she wanted to spread more light and love in the world by sharing God’s message through her music. This spiritual awakening resulted in a natural outpouring of Christian songs, blending seamlessly with her country roots.

“God So Loved The World”: A Deeply Personal Album

Lady Redneck’s latest album, “God So Loved The World,” released in December, is a heartfelt collection of songs born from personal trials and divine inspiration. The album opens with “After The Rain, You’ll Find the Son,” a song that underscores the idea of finding solace in God during life’s storms. Each verse draws from Stephanie’s experiences with significant trials, making the album profoundly personal.

Other tracks, such as “It’s His Fight Too” and “Tender Mercy,” delve into times of loss and hopelessness, highlighting God’s unwavering presence. Lady Redneck emphasizes that each song was written with prayer and a desire to address the needs of the world, always focusing on sharing His love.

Authenticity in Music

What sets Lady Redneck apart in the industry is the raw authenticity of her music. She writes from the soul, eschewing formulaic approaches in favor of genuine, heartfelt lyrics. “I’m not just going along with an algorithm that makes a hit song. I’m writing from the soul,” she explains. This authenticity is crucial to her, especially in an age where artificial intelligence can churn out technically proficient but emotionally hollow songs. For Lady Redneck, the truth in her music resonates deeply with her audience, creating a powerful connection.

Connecting with the Audience

Connecting with her audience on a personal level is paramount for Lady Redneck. She believes that the truth in her music, born from real experiences and genuine emotions, strikes a chord with listeners. “There’s something about the truth. Truth resonates in our soul,” she asserts. This connection is a cornerstone of her artistic identity, allowing her to be fully herself and inviting her audience to accept and love her for who she truly is.

Balancing Music and Entrepreneurship

In addition to her music career, Lady Redneck is an entrepreneur, a role she balances with her artistic pursuits. Despite a hearing accident that has limited her live performances, she continues to create and share music. Stephanie is determined to overcome this challenge and return to performing, driven by her goals and a disciplined approach to balancing her business and music endeavors.

Recognitions and Challenges

Lady Redneck’s song “Pray for Peace” earned a nomination for “Christian Songwriter of the Year” at the Josie Music Awards, a recognition that validates her songwriting talents. Yet, her journey has not been without challenges. Losing much of her hearing two years ago was a devastating blow. However, Stephanie’s resilience and determination have kept her moving forward, finding new ways to create and share her music.

Advice to Aspiring Artists

For aspiring Christian artists and entrepreneurs, Lady Redneck offers heartfelt advice: “Be real. Pray before every show, everything you write, and everything you do. Trust Him.” She encourages others to see themselves as instruments in God’s hands, sharing His message and love. Her mantra is to start now and not wait for perfect conditions, urging aspiring artists to fulfill their calling and make a difference in the world.

Lady Redneck’s journey is a powerful example of faith, authenticity, and resilience. Her music continues to touch hearts, bringing light and love to listeners worldwide.

Published by: Nelly Chavez