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Finding Light After Darkness: Elaine Hepley’s Memoir “Embracing the Journey” Offers Hope for Women Ready to Heal

Women's Journal Staff on August 8, 2025

For many women, the path to healing is not a straight line—it’s a winding road of growth, emotional resilience, and self-discovery. Elaine Hepley, author of the memoir Embracing the Journey: Finding Light, Purpose, and Peace Through Life’s Journey, has experienced this journey firsthand. As a first-generation American and survivor of childhood trauma, Hepley shares her personal story not to dwell on the past, but to highlight the potential for growth and healing for others who feel isolated in their struggles.

In her debut memoir, Hepley invites readers into her most vulnerable life moments with the goal to uplift, relate, and inspire. Though reserved by nature, she felt a deep inner drive to open up—not just for her own healing, but to help other women see what is possible when we confront pain with courage.

A Voice for Women Facing Life’s Storms

Embracing the Journey is not just a memoir—it’s an exploration of the possibility that healing is achievable, no matter where you start. Hepley shares how she overcame childhood trauma, generational patterns, and personal adversity to build a life rooted in purpose and peace. Through her story, readers are reminded that strength is found not in avoiding difficult moments, but in facing them with resilience.

Women from all backgrounds will find something relatable in her words—grief, uncertainty, survival, and ultimately, empowerment. Her story acknowledges the complex process of becoming whole and encourages readers to give themselves permission to begin again.

Bringing Compassion Into Business

Elaine Hepley is not only an author—she is also the founder and CEO of S0LANA Consulting Services LLC, a firm specializing in data and varnish analysis. With over 16 years of industry experience and a strong academic foundation in criminology and psychology, Hepley brings a rare balance of analytical precision and human understanding to her work.

However, it is her heart-led leadership that truly sets her apart. Her passion for helping others—whether through her business or her story—is evident. She views every project and every conversation as an opportunity to connect, empower, and make a positive difference.

Through her consulting work, Hepley applies her skills to assist organizations in their growth, but behind every spreadsheet and system is her broader mission: to uplift individuals, particularly women, who are often managing personal challenges while striving for professional success.

Beyond the Book: A Space to Keep Growing

To continue supporting others beyond the pages of her memoir, Elaine launched the Beyond the Blend podcast, available on Spotify. The show explores topics such as emotional resilience, personal leadership, and finding balance in a chaotic world—all through the lens of lived experience.

The podcast, like her book, is grounded in honesty, compassion, and practicality. Listeners appreciate her calm, thoughtful presence and the way she brings real-life wisdom to each conversation. It’s another avenue through which Hepley continues to reach women where they are—with encouragement that feels both personal and meaningful.

Reclaiming Peace and Redefining Purpose

Today, Elaine Hepley is living a life she once thought might not be possible. Through years of self-work, reflection, and healing, she has created a reality built on peace and purpose. Embracing the Journey reflects that transformation and extends an invitation to any woman ready to start her own journey of self-discovery.

Her story serves as a reminder that we don’t have to be perfect to move forward—we simply need to be willing. Whether you’re overcoming trauma, rebuilding your life, or seeking meaning, Hepley’s message is clear: you are not alone, and healing is within reach.

Where to Learn More

To connect with Elaine Hepley, explore her work, or listen to her podcast:

Embracing the Journey: Finding Light, Purpose, and Peace Through Life’s Journey is available now and continues to inspire women to step into healing—and live fully, freely, and with intention.

Cleanne Lynn Johnson: Weaving Hope Through Words and Action

Women's Journal Staff on August 8, 2025

By: Cleanne Lynn Johnson

From the moment five-year-old Cleanne began telling stories to her family, something extraordinary was unfolding. Her words didn’t just describe imaginary worlds; they breathed life into characters, making them feel as real as the people listening. This early gift for storytelling wasn’t simply childhood play, it was the first thread in a lifeline she’d one day extend to many others.

As Cleanne grew, writing became her sanctuary. When emotions felt overwhelming, she turned to poetry and short stories. Pages filled with her thoughts became a safe harbor, a place where confusion transformed into clarity. But Cleanne sensed a deeper truth: her refuge could be others’ rescue. She realized every person carries a story powerful enough to change lives. This belief ignited her purpose.

She launched the “Beauty of Colors” podcast as a beacon for these voices. Here, Cleanne doesn’t just host; she creates a space where guests can share their raw, authentic journeys. Listeners find solace in shared struggles and courage in shared triumphs. The podcast became a bridge, connecting hearts across cultures and experiences, proving that vulnerability can foster unity.

Cleanne’s books amplify this mission. In Love My Colors, she crafts a lifeline for young girls facing cruelty over their skin tone. Through protagonist Natashia’s journey to self-love, Cleanne delivers an important message: every shade, black, brown, olive, white, is inherently beautiful and worthy. This isn’t just a story; it’s a resource against prejudice.

Her poetry collection, Beauty of Colors, aims for the soul. These verses lift readers from despair, anchoring them to their intrinsic worth and purpose. They whisper: “You belong. You are part of this earth’s magnificent tapestry.”

Finding Beauty In and Out shifts the lens on self-image. Cleanne challenges the idea that beauty is skin-deep, guiding readers toward unshakeable self-acceptance. Through relatable stories and sharp insights, she reveals how inner light can transform our perception of ourselves and the world. It’s a guide to seeing, and celebrating, the beauty others might overlook.

When the COVID-19 pandemic isolated millions, Cleanne responded with Beauty of Life: 101 Inspirational Quotes. These potent phrases, forged in global uncertainty, offered much-needed hope. They encouraged readers to seek peace beyond circumstances and find perspective through faith.

Even her fiction carries her signature purpose. Her novel follows Tenesha Hussain’s quest to uncover her Jamaican roots, a journey derailed by blizzards, danger, and shattering family secrets. It’s an exploration of identity, demonstrating that understanding our past is key to claiming our strength.

Remarkably, Cleanne’s impact stretches beyond the page. True to her belief in lifelong growth, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and a Master’s in Public Health from Andrews University. Today, as a registered dietitian, she offers Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) with the same dedication she brings to healing spirits. This dual practice, nurturing physical and emotional well-being, reflects her holistic approach to human dignity.

When not writing or consulting, Cleanne finds joy in simple acts: crafting meals in her kitchen, hiking nature trails, losing herself in books, or practicing fashion designing. Yet her most profound moments often happen in everyday encounters. She actively seeks out people from all backgrounds to deliver a vital message: “You are special. You are unique. You are beautiful, exactly as you are.” These aren’t platitudes; they are affirmations forged in her belief that recognizing each other’s light can mend a fractured world.

Cleanne Lynn Johnson is more than an author or health professional. She is a quiet revolutionary using stories as tools for transformation. She battles invisibility by celebrating diversity. She counters despair with hopeful action. Through podcasts, poems, novels, and simple human connection, she reminds us: Your story matters. Your voice can heal. Your presence adds to the world’s brightness.

Ready to transform your perspective? Explore Cleanne Lynn Johnson’s inspiring books, from the self-discovery of Finding Beauty In and Out to the courage of Love My Colors. Listen to the voices of hope on her “Beauty of Colors” podcast. Begin your journey toward deeper belonging today.

Disclaimer: The content in this article reflects the personal insights and perspectives of Cleanne Lynn Johnson. The information shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. While Cleanne Lynn Johnson’s work promotes empowerment, self-love, and personal growth, individual experiences and outcomes may vary. Readers are encouraged to seek professional guidance if needed for specific health or emotional concerns. The views expressed are those of the author and do not guarantee specific results.