Faith, Fortitude, and Forward Movement: Dr. Laticia Nicole Beatty is Inspiring Growth and Supporting Legacies

Women's Journal Staff on May 21, 2025

By: Pam Perry

“Having earned my Doctorate and received an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarian Leadership, and now serving as the Regional Vice President of Trinity International University of Ambassadors, I am blessed to be in a position to help others on their journey as well.”

These words from Dr. Laticia Nicole Beatty are not only a reflection—they offer insight into a life shaped by dedication, purpose, and an ongoing commitment to transformation. A testament to a life built not only on dreams but on strong direction, consistent effort, and a belief in the possibility of change.

Today, as the newly appointed Regional Vice-Chancellor of TIUA (Trinity International University of Ambassadors), Dr. Beatty holds a respected position—not only in academia and ministry but also in her purposeful leadership. She is no stranger to accolades, yet she approaches them with humility, always seeking to uplift others. “As I sit here reflecting,” she shares, “I’m thinking of all the incredible Change Agents I could nominate for an Honorary Doctorate—and those who are ready to pursue and earn one.”

If anyone understands what it means to go from overlooked to outstanding, it’s her.

From Detroit to Destiny

“I’m just a girl from Detroit, Michigan who had dreams of success,” she says. And while that may sound humble, the journey has been notable. In 1992, she moved to North Carolina with $15 in her pocket, four outfits, and a dream that challenged expectations. Determined to become more than what the world predicted for her, she enrolled at Livingstone College before transferring to Winston Salem State University, where she graduated with honors in Nursing.

But she didn’t stop there.

Dr. Beatty went on to earn her MBA from the University of Phoenix and is now completing a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship. The blend of health, business, and purpose led her to open and operate a 120-bed assisted living facility—an achievement that remains significant, especially for women of color in today’s healthcare climate.

She is also a certified life coach, a licensed nursing home administrator, an international speaker, and a notable author. And yes—she runs her own herbal tea and vitamin company as well. Her enterprise, La’Ticia Enterprise, LLC, focuses on both business development and personal growth.

Challenges that Refined, Not Defined

Success hasn’t come without its challenges. Dr. Beatty openly shares the struggles she has faced: a near-failed marriage, the loss of friends, the collapse of businesses, and moments when her own mindset felt like an obstacle. But it’s in those vulnerable spaces that her resilience was developed.

“One of the hardest challenges I’ve faced,” she shares, “was simply seeing myself as Dr. Laticia Nicole Beatty.” That level of honesty makes her relatable. She doesn’t speak from theory—she speaks from experience. And that’s part of why she is known worldwide as The Transformation Evangelist.

“How can I mentor women through darkness if I haven’t been there myself?” she asks. “The blessing is that I’m not there anymore. I’m living example that healing is possible, purpose is meaningful, and faith can lead to change.”

A Ministry of Motivation and Marketplace

Through Speak Life Enterprises, Dr. Beatty works to support hearts and inspire change. Her mission is clear: to serve women and girls who feel stuck due to trauma, depression, fear, or rejection—and to help them rise.

She specializes in helping entrepreneurs identify blind spots, shift mindsets, and implement strategies aimed at unlocking new levels of growth. It’s not just coaching—it’s a guided process. She walks clients through assessment, planning, execution, and evaluation—helping bridge faith with future goals.

For nine years, she’s led weekly Bible study and prayer groups every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. That’s consistency. That’s commitment. That’s the kind of leadership that people gravitate toward.

Her platform, Speak Life Transformation Institute, equips students to walk in purpose with confidence. And with her new role at TIUA, she’s helping others receive academic recognition or credentials that support their work, voice, and value.

Faith, Fortitude, and Forward Movement: Dr. Laticia Nicole Beatty is Inspiring Growth and Supporting Legacies

Photo Courtesy: Kim Taylor of Kimazing Photography

Her Definition of Success

When asked how she defines success, her answer is grounded in humility and hope: “Success means not that I am successful, but how many people have I helped become successful in building their business on a solid foundation.”

It’s never just about her. It’s always about the legacy.

Final Words of Wisdom

To those climbing their own mountains, Dr. Beatty offers this: “Be your own cheerleader and never give up on God’s promises—because He will never give up on you.”

From Detroit to Doctorate. From $15 to building a multi-venture enterprise. From trauma to transformation. Dr. Laticia Nicole Beatty is a name that continues to inspire and empower.

So if you’re ready to rise, ready to be recognized, or ready to pursue a new level of purpose-driven leadership, connect with her. She’s not just opening doors—she’s encouraging others to walk through them with confidence.

For more information, visit www.LaticiaNicole.com

Published by Jeremy S.

Violetta Korovkina Inspires at She Speaks: How Immigrant Women Are Shaping the Future of Small Business in the United States

Women's Journal Staff on May 21, 2025

By: BNDS Media

On May 10, 2025, She Speaks, a TED-style event, brought together more than 30 immigrant women entrepreneurs, coaches, creators, and visionaries in Menlo Park, California. ISOUL is a global women’s community that unites over 200 purpose-driven members, most of whom are based in the United States. The community brings together immigrant women entrepreneurs, leaders, creatives, and coaches who often seek personal and professional growth. Entry into ISOUL is by application only, and the selection process aims to ensure that members are aligned with the community’s values of integrity, transformation, and contribution.

Violetta Korovkina is a proud member of ISOUL, actively contributing to its mission of elevating women through meaningful dialogue, shared experiences, and conscious leadership. Events like She Speaks are part of the community’s broader effort to create intentional spaces where women support each other, grow together, and potentially amplify their impact.

The She Speaks event featured insightful talks by Jane Milovanova, Marina Davydova, and Violetta Korovkina. Each speaker shared personal stories, insights, and lessons centered on the inner pillars of trust, fear, and courage. What unfolded was not just a professional event but also a space of belonging, reflection, and collective transformation for immigrant women pursuing their entrepreneurial paths in the United States.

A TED-Inspired Format with Potential for Real-World Impact

The gathering followed a TED-style talk format, blending personal storytelling with meaningful insights. Each speaker explored a theme connected to the pillars of trust, fear, and courage through the lens of their lived experience.

Violetta Korovkina delivered a talk titled “Fear as a Fuel,” sharing how fear can sometimes become a catalyst for growth rather than a barrier. She explored how emotional awareness and curiosity may help transform fear into energy for personal and professional expansion. Marina Davydova spoke on “The Architecture of Trust,” offering tools for navigating uncertainty and leading from within. Jane Milovanova closed with “Courage is a Choice,” reminding participants that quiet strength and authenticity can be forms of leadership.

The event also featured mindful networking and an open mic circle, where attendees had the chance to share their insights in one-minute reflections. With more than 30 women present, the atmosphere was both intimate and energizing, creating a space of belonging and mutual encouragement.

Violetta Korovkina Inspires at She Speaks: How Immigrant Women Are Shaping the Future of Small Business in the United States

Photo Courtesy: Violetta Korovkina

The Collective Strength of Community in Entrepreneurship

Jane Milovanova, Marina Davydova, and Violetta Korovkina delivered talks on different aspects of entrepreneurship, including visibility, transformation, and mindset. What united their messages was the idea that success often thrives in community.

Each speaker emphasized the importance of a strong support system, especially for immigrant women who frequently face added challenges. Whether it’s navigating legal frameworks, building confidence, or simply realizing you’re not alone, community can serve as a force for forward movement. As one attendee shared, “It’s like someone lit a fire in me that I forgot was even there.”

From Fear to Fuel: A Coaching Perspective

In her work as a business consultant and professional coach, Violetta Korovkina often helps clients reframe fear. Her talk focused on turning fear into fuel. She shared how fear might act as a signal for what matters most and how replacing fear with curiosity could open the door to creativity, resilience, and growth.

“Fear is not something we need to eliminate. It’s something we need to listen to,” Korovkina explained. “But then we need to move through it. We need to ask better questions. We need to replace fear with curiosity. That’s where growth often starts.”

This approach resonated with the audience, many of whom were navigating transitions or building businesses in unfamiliar environments. “Curiosity is what can keep you going when the original plan falls apart,” she added.

Building a More Inclusive and Resilient Economy

Supporting immigrant entrepreneurs through education and community-based mentorship can help more than individuals. It may strengthen the business ecosystem as a whole. When immigrants are equipped to succeed, they often bring fresh ideas, create jobs, and foster collaboration across cultures.

Events like She Speaks and communities like ISOUL are not just inspiring—they may also play a role in building a more resilient and inclusive economy. These spaces demonstrate what becomes possible when people feel safe, supported, and connected.

Photo Courtesy: Violetta Korovkina

Violetta’s Approach to Empowering Entrepreneurs

Beyond her role as a speaker, Violetta Korovkina has reportedly helped generate over $300,000 in digital product launches in the U.S., working with immigrants and first-time business owners. Her consulting practice focuses on helping clients turn their expertise into scalable digital offers, using a profit-sharing model.

She works with clients who often start with limited resources. With structure, coaching, and strategy, many have gone on to earn thousands of dollars doing what they love. Korovkina suggests that every person has something valuable to offer and that business can be designed to be both profitable and meaningful.

A Moment of Shared Growth

The She Speaks event created more than inspiration. It became a space where women reconnected with their purpose, exchanged insights, and felt truly seen. With over 30 women in attendance, the gathering offered both depth and connection, making it a notable reminder of what can happen when mission-driven individuals come together. Participants described it as a rare combination of emotional safety and practical learning.

For immigrant entrepreneurs, this kind of environment can change everything. It may help break cycles of fear, build confidence, and open new opportunities. As Violetta Korovkina noted, “This kind of space is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. It’s how people often rise.”

Published by Joseph T.

Balancing the Boardroom and Burnout: How One Woman Is Redefining Mental Wellness in the Workplace

Women's Journal Staff on May 21, 2025

By: Contributing Writer at MMB

As economic pressure reshapes today’s work landscape, women—often the backbone of both households and organizations—are bearing a disproportionate burden. With teams shrinking, expectations growing, and personal responsibilities multiplying, it’s no wonder that 1 in 3 women reports feeling constantly burned out, according to a McKinsey & Company study on women in the workplace.

Christi Venable, award-winning mental wellness strategist and founder of SMILE Therapy Services, has a message for companies nationwide: prioritize mental wellness or risk losing your most valuable asset—your people.

“Women are leading in boardrooms and at home, but they’re doing it at the cost of their emotional well-being,” says Venable. “Ignoring mental health isn’t just negligent—it’s expensive.”

From Burnout to Breakthrough

Balancing the Boardroom and Burnout: How One Woman Is Redefining Mental Wellness in the Workplace

Photo Courtesy: Christi Venable

Venable is not just a clinician—she’s a change agent reshaping how leaders think about mental health at work. With a background in behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and years of experience navigating complex organizational systems, she brings a 360-degree understanding of what drives—or drains—employee well-being.

Whether she’s consulting with government agencies or Fortune 500 companies, her mission is the same: to replace toxic productivity with psychological safety, and to help leadership teams build cultures rooted in clarity, compassion, and consistency.

Her approach moves beyond one-off perks and performative gestures. Instead of relying on temporary morale boosters like pizza parties or generic wellness portals, Venable delivers evidence-based, human-centered strategies that actually shift behavior and reshape how people show up to work.

She emphasizes that true workplace wellness is not a one-size-fits-all program—it’s a long-term commitment to organizational healing. From identifying internal stressors to training managers in emotional intelligence, her work addresses both the surface symptoms and the deeper systems causing burnout.

In her words: “If we want people to thrive, we have to build workplaces that support the whole person—not just the job title.”

Signature Sessions That Speak to Today’s Workforce

Photo Courtesy: Christi Venable

Christi’s most in-demand workshops speak directly to women leaders—and those who support them:

Putting Your Oxygen Mask on First: Self-Care for Effective Leadership
This session reframes self-care as a business imperative. Venable equips women with tools to set boundaries, manage stress, and lead with clarity.
Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace
Venable helps teams build environments where diverse voices are heard and respected—unlocking creativity, loyalty, and growth.
The Emotionally Intelligent Leader
Through relatable case studies and practical tools, Christi shows leaders how to cultivate empathy, emotional regulation, and connection.

A New App for Real Workplace Change

Photo Courtesy: Christi Venable

Most workplace wellness programs fail because they check a box but don’t create real, lasting change. Christi Venable is changing that narrative with The Refreshing Smile Workplace Wellness Course & App—a new digital system created to help HR leaders and executives build mentally resilient, high-performing teams without adding more to their plate.

For a limited time, organizations can join the interest list to receive early access and exclusive pre-sale pricing before the official launch.

What Makes This Course Different?

Self-Paced Learning, Designed for Busy Professionals – Learn on your time, with strategies you can apply immediately
Live Webinars & Expert-Led Training – Hear from specialists who’ve helped shift real workplace cultures
Step-by-Step, Scalable Solutions – A roadmap that takes the guesswork out of improving mental wellness
Built for Long-Term Impact – Not just theory—strategies that aim to deliver measurable results

Women Deserve More Than Survival—They Deserve to Thrive

Women are leading America’s workplaces, but many are doing so on emotional fumes. According to Deloitte’s Women @ Work report, more than half of women say their mental health is poor or very poor, and nearly 40% say better mental health support from their employer is one of the most critical resources they need to thrive.

Christi Venable’s work is a reminder that wellness isn’t a perk—it’s a pathway to progress.

To learn more, bring Christi to your next leadership event, or get early access to The Refreshing Smile Workplace Wellness Course & App, visit SMILE Therapy Services to schedule a discovery call.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Published by Joseph T.

Short Hair for Women: Empowerment, Styles, and Care Tips

Womens Journal Staff 2 on May 21, 2025

How Does Short Hair Empower Women and Boost Confidence?

Short hair has long been a symbol of empowerment and self-expression for women. Choosing to cut hair short often marks a bold decision that reflects personal strength and confidence. Unlike longer styles traditionally associated with femininity, short hair challenges conventions and allows women to embrace individuality in striking ways.

Many women find that short hairstyles project an image of independence and assertiveness. The visibility of facial features, necklines, and bone structure changes how others perceive presence and personality. Celebrities and public figures with short hair often inspire fans by showcasing how this style can be both powerful and elegant.

The act of cutting hair short can also represent transformation or new beginnings. For some, it is a reclaiming of control over their appearance or a reflection of internal growth. This emotional connection adds depth to the hairstyle beyond aesthetics, making short hair a source of motivation and empowerment.

What Are the Most Popular Short Hair Styles for Women Today?

Short hair offers incredible versatility, with styles ranging from classic to edgy, allowing women to find looks that suit their personalities and lifestyles. Among the most popular styles are the pixie cut, bob, lob (long bob), and asymmetrical cuts.

The pixie cut is celebrated for its minimalist elegance and ease of maintenance. It frames the face delicately while emphasizing eyes and cheekbones. The bob, with its clean lines and varying lengths, offers a timeless option that can be styled sleek or tousled for different effects.

The lob bridges short and medium lengths, providing flexibility for those transitioning from long hair or seeking a balance between style and manageability. Asymmetrical cuts add an avant-garde touch, introducing angular shapes and unexpected texture.

Additionally, textured cuts with layers, curls, or waves bring volume and movement to short hair, enhancing its dynamic appeal. Color techniques like highlights, balayage, or bold shades complement these cuts, further personalizing the look.

How Can Women Maintain and Care for Short Hair Effectively?

Maintaining short hair requires a focused care routine to keep styles sharp and healthy. Because short hairstyles rely heavily on precise lines and texture, regular trims are essential—typically every four to six weeks—to prevent uneven growth and preserve the intended shape.

Using appropriate hair products tailored to hair type and style is key. Lightweight styling creams, texturizing sprays, and volumizers help create definition without weighing hair down. For curly or wavy short hair, moisturizing products are important to reduce frizz and maintain softness.

Shampooing frequency may vary, but short hair often benefits from regular washing to remove product buildup and maintain freshness. However, over-washing can strip natural oils, so balancing cleansing with conditioning is recommended.

Heat styling tools like flat irons or curling wands can enhance short hair styles but should be used sparingly with heat protectants to avoid damage. Nighttime care, such as using silk pillowcases or protective wraps, helps reduce breakage and maintain style longevity.

What Role Does Short Hair Play in Modern Fashion and Culture?

Short hair has become a prominent element in contemporary fashion and cultural movements. Designers frequently showcase short hairstyles on runways, pairing them with bold makeup and clothing to create impactful visual statements.

In media and advertising, women with short hair often symbolize modernity, strength, and diversity. This representation challenges traditional beauty standards and encourages broader acceptance of varied looks.

Culturally, short hair intersects with movements advocating gender equality, LGBTQ+ visibility, and body positivity. For many women, adopting short hair aligns with embracing authenticity and rejecting societal pressures.

The versatility of short hair also allows for constant reinvention, keeping it relevant across generations and trends. It serves as both a personal and political expression, reflecting evolving attitudes toward identity and beauty.

How Can Women Choose the Right Short Hair Style for Their Face Shape and Lifestyle?

Selecting a short hairstyle that complements facial features and suits daily routines is crucial for satisfaction and confidence. Different cuts flatter various face shapes—oval, round, square, heart, or diamond—and understanding these can guide decision-making.

For example, pixie cuts with volume on top suit round faces by elongating the silhouette. Bobs with soft layers can soften angular jawlines common in square faces. Heart-shaped faces often benefit from side-swept bangs or textured layers that balance forehead width.

Lifestyle considerations include work environments, maintenance willingness, and personal comfort. Women with active schedules may prefer low-maintenance cuts that require minimal styling. Those who enjoy experimenting might opt for styles that allow versatility with accessories or color changes.

Consulting with professional hairstylists ensures personalized advice, taking into account hair texture, growth patterns, and styling preferences. This collaborative approach helps women find short hairstyles that enhance natural beauty and fit seamlessly into their lives.

Veronica Stubbs and The Scone Goddess: A Story of Baking and Community

Women's Journal Staff on May 21, 2025

By: Nic Abelian

Founded by Veronica Stubbs, The Scone Goddess began as a simple kitchen project and has since grown into a well-regarded brand, appreciated by scone enthusiasts across the country. What started with baking and selling scones once a week at a local farmers market has expanded into a thriving business that now ships nationwide and wholesales to 14 states. The secret to its success? A carefully crafted blend of premium scone mixes that offer quality, simplicity, and an enjoyable experience.

Veronica’s journey began with a deep love for baking and a desire to share it with her community. Every week, she baked fresh scones at home and sold them at the local farmers market, quickly finding that demand often outpaced her ability to bake. Her scones stood out, with customers returning frequently to enjoy the freshly baked treats. It was clear that Veronica had discovered something meaningful.

When the COVID-19 pandemic changed the landscape for small businesses, Veronica pivoted quickly. She launched a line of premium scone mixes that allowed anyone to bake delicious, high-quality scones at home. Her mixes feature an array of berries, chocolates, and nuts. Each mix requires just one additional ingredient—cream—and about 20 minutes to bake. The result is a scone that is consistently tender, flavorful, and generally well-received.

The appeal of The Scone Goddess mixes is broad and accessible. Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone who has never baked before, Veronica’s mixes are designed to help anyone create a pleasant scone experience with ease. Her tagline, “Anyone can make them. Everyone will eat them,” aims to capture the essence of her brand—a product that caters to all, from seasoned bakers to those looking for a quick, enjoyable treat. And as Veronica notes, “Even those who aren’t usually fond of scones often find themselves appreciating ours!” She’s shifted the narrative, encouraging people to see scones as a more commonly enjoyed snack or dessert.

What sets The Scone Goddess apart is its commitment to quality, simplicity, and integrity. Veronica has always emphasized that the key to her success lies not just in providing a well-made product but also in fostering a community where customers feel genuinely valued. The company’s growth has been largely driven by word-of-mouth; loyal customers have played an important role in spreading the love for Veronica’s scones and encouraging others to try them.

Veronica Stubbs and The Scone Goddess: A Story of Baking and Community

Photo Courtesy: The Scone Goddess / Veronica Stubbs

In addition to its consumer base, The Scone Goddess has expanded into the food service industry with a specialized line of scone mixes designed for cafes, inns, caterers, and schools. These mixes, which maintain the same quality and simplicity of the original product, allow food service professionals to offer high-quality scones without requiring extensive preparation or specialized expertise. This combination of accessibility, quality, and simplicity has made The Scone Goddess a preferred option among many.

The company’s success is a testament to Veronica’s dedication to her craft, her customers, and her community. “Kindness” is the cornerstone of The Scone Goddess philosophy, from the way Veronica and her team interact with customers to the care put into every scone mix. She firmly believes that her brand’s growth can be attributed to the genuine kindness that permeates all aspects of her business, creating an environment where both customers and employees feel supported and valued.

Looking ahead, Veronica plans to continue growing The Scone Goddess while staying true to the brand’s core values. “We’ve always focused on providing a positive scone experience for our customers. Whether it’s a scone mix or a freshly baked treat, we aim to prioritize quality and the relationships we’ve built with our community,” she says.

The Scone Goddess has demonstrated that when you combine thoughtfully made products with a sincere respect for your customers, success can follow. As the brand continues to expand its reach across the United States, it’s clear that Veronica’s vision for a kinder, simpler way to enjoy scones is becoming more widely embraced.

To learn more about The Scone Goddess and explore their line of premium scone mixes, visit www.thesconegoddess.com.

Follow The Scone Goddess on social media for the latest updates:
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For customer reviews, visit: Google Reviews

Published by Joseph T.

Empowering Survivors and Advocates: Nicole Cherie Hesse’s A Shadow Called Sunshine

Women's Journal Staff on May 21, 2025

By: Alexandra Perez

When Nicole Cherie Hesse began writing her novel on a transatlantic flight, she never imagined it would become A Shadow Called Sunshine—a powerful debut set to launch June 3, 2025. What began as catharsis quickly evolved into a fictional narrative that’s part memoir, part manifesto. Blending raw emotional truth with transformative storytelling, Hesse’s novel aims to dismantle the silence around domestic abuse and build a path toward healing, advocacy, and collective change.

From Personal Catharsis to Fictional Revelation

The initial 30,000-word draft poured out of Hesse mid-flight. “It was that feeling of remembering how my life used to be and the gratitude of not having that narrative anymore,” she reflects. By channeling her story into fictional characters, Hesse created space to process pain with clarity—and offer that same opportunity to others.

Her aim is bold: to help readers recognize the subtle beginnings of abuse before it turns violent. “No one gets punched in the face on the first date,” she explains. “But this book gives you a third-party perspective of watching it turn.” In doing so, A Shadow Called Sunshine helps survivors and supporters identify emotional manipulation, isolation, and the red flags that often precede physical abuse—without shame, without judgment.

Rewriting the Narrative on Advocacy

Hesse is not content with passive narratives of victimhood. Through layered character arcs and striking social commentary, she challenges readers to go beyond survival. “What have you done with your survivorship?” she asks. This question sits at the heart of her novel and her mission—to transition from surviving to self-sovereignty.

She reframes abuse not only as an individual tragedy but as a systemic reflection of unresolved trauma. “Nearly all abusers were abused themselves,” she notes. “There’s a collective vibration of worthlessness that sustains these cycles. The answer is not just punishment—it’s healing with accountability.”

By acknowledging the roots of abuse, Hesse offers a more compassionate and solution-oriented approach—one that calls for education, awareness, and transformation.

A Launch Strategy with Purpose

The launch of A Shadow Called Sunshine mirrors Hesse’s larger mission: prevention, not just cure. Rather than following traditional pre-sale tactics, her publisher is building grassroots momentum through a curated book team and community engagement strategy.

Proceeds from the novel will benefit Weave, a Sacramento-based nonprofit that’s developing Real Talk—a first-of-its-kind app designed to facilitate healthy relationship conversations between parents and teens. “This book is funding a tool that starts those critical conversations early,” Hesse shares. “We’re planting seeds of prevention.”

This partnership reflects Hesse’s commitment to making storytelling actionable—turning readers into advocates, and fiction into functional change.

Bridging Business and Empowerment

Before stepping into publishing, Hesse built a thriving brand as a client-attraction marketing strategist. Her signature Seven Layer Transformation methodology helps clients, many of whom are survivors themselves, move from self-sabotage to self-empowerment—a journey that closely mirrors her novel’s plotline.

“Every success I’ve ever had in business was directly for this,” Hesse says. The personal breakthroughs she experienced while scaling her brand became the foundation for the vulnerability she poured into the book. Her Telegram book team includes early readers from her client base—women seeking independence, healing, and strength. Their reactions have affirmed the book’s power and relevance.

Creating Safe Spaces Through Story

Aware that trauma can be reactivated through storytelling, Hesse is designing a series of virtual book clubs to accompany the release. Each session will tackle a different theme—from the psychology of isolation to the ripple effects of generational trauma.

“This isn’t a Me Too revisitation,” she clarifies. “It’s a So That What movement. Yes, you survived—so what are you going to do with your story now?” Through guided discussions, participants are encouraged to move beyond survival into action: mentoring others, building boundaries, or simply standing up to shame with strength.

Her goal is to create spaces where fiction leads to freedom—and healing happens through community.

Facing Fear with Unapologetic Truth

Despite her marketing expertise, Hesse admits she’s nervous about launching her book. “I’m terrified of the reviews,” she confesses. She draws strength from literary greats like Anne Rice, who weathered both praise and criticism. “But honestly, I’d rather you hate it than feel nothing,” she adds.

That willingness to risk vulnerability defines both Hesse’s work and her leadership. Her message is clear: empowerment means speaking truth, even when your voice shakes.

A Legacy of Transformation

As A Shadow Called Sunshine approaches its release, Nicole Cherie Hesse stands at the intersection of art, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. Her story, both within and beyond the pages, is one of radical courage. By fusing fiction with impact, she’s proving that storytelling is more than entertainment—it’s activism.

Whether through her business coaching, her community-led launch strategy, or her compassionate portrayal of trauma, Hesse is building a legacy that prioritizes truth, empathy, and tangible transformation.

“This book is not the end,” she emphasizes. “It’s the beginning. The real story starts when the last page is turned and people ask themselves: ‘So that what?’”

Because in Hesse’s world, surviving is not enough. The true victory lies in using your story to change your life—and maybe even the world.

Published by Jeremy S.

How Laura “LA” Barbato Combines Law Enforcement Experience with Filmmaking

Women's Journal Staff on May 21, 2025

Early Years and Police Service

Laura “LA” Barbato’s career has taken a remarkable turn from policing New York City’s streets to producing films that reach global audiences. Born in 1983 and raised by her mother, a registered nurse, Barbato developed an early interest in creative arts, especially music. She started as a teenage DJ and founded Twelve 83 Records, laying a foundation for her later work in entertainment.

In 2007, Barbato joined the New York City Police Department. During her years of service, she worked undercover in the Bronx Narcotics Division and later became sergeant of the 46th Precinct. Her responsibilities included leading anti-crime teams focused on reducing violent offenses and illegal firearms. Her law enforcement career earned her respect and several commendations. However, a severe injury sustained during an arrest led to her medical retirement in 2019.

A Shift Toward Storytelling

After leaving the NYPD, Barbato returned to her passion for storytelling by enrolling at the New York Film Academy, where she earned a degree in screenwriting. She rebranded her music label into Twelve 83 Entertainment, expanding its focus to film and multimedia production.

Barbato’s first short film, The Man Who Sold the World, was recognized at multiple film festivals, winning awards for its thriller elements. She then created The Unorthodox Series, an anthology known for blending genres and narrative styles. Her documentary The States of Emergency: New York & New Jersey captured the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and received acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of a difficult time.

Diverse Film Projects and International Reach

Barbato’s work spans many genres and formats, including animation with her web series Half Pints. She extended her reach internationally by producing Prelude, a Swedish feature film honored at the Swedish International Film Festival, and executive producing Jujuman, a Nigerian dark comedy.

Her recent productions include American drama shorts Waking Up and Last Meal, available on Amazon Prime Video. In 2024, she served as executive producer for Bloodline Killer, a horror-thriller film distributed by Tubi that featured well-known actors. That same year, Barbato produced El Hombre Sin Rostro, a Mexican horror film, demonstrating her interest in cross-cultural projects.

Insights from Experience

Barbato’s background in law enforcement deeply informs her storytelling. She created Charlie X, a comic book series inspired by her years as an undercover officer and sergeant. Illustrated by DC Comics artist Bachan Carrillo, the series presents a gritty police drama grounded in real-world experience.

As a member of the Writers Guild of America, Barbato continues to push for authentic and innovative stories through Twelve 83 Entertainment. Her unique blend of street-level insight and cinematic creativity offers audiences a perspective shaped by both lived experience and artistic vision.

Continuing the Journey

Laura “LA” Barbato’s career reflects a distinctive combination of service and creativity. Through Twelve 83 Entertainment, she develops films and media projects that explore diverse narratives and challenge conventional storytelling. Her work remains informed by her time in law enforcement, creating content that resonates with authenticity.

Contact Twelve 83 Entertainment:

Website: www.twelve83entertainment.com

Email: info@twelve83entertainment.com

Social Media: @Twelve83Ent

Published by Joseph T.