Fearless, Inspired and Free

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey, the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support!

This week Dana hosts and it is a solo conversation. After a week of high stress, anger and continued divide in the country, Dana wanted to take a moment of pause to allow for her guests to reflect and work through their grief, anger and feelings of anxiety. She talks about it being ok to be sad, but that ultimately the sadness does not define us. We must make space for grief and all of the feelings that come with it...not resist...but accept and work through it. 

Dana plays a healing and self-comforting clip she found on Instagram that got her through some tough times this past week on a page of a woman named @ElizaBoquin. Please tune into this episode and try this exercise as she plays it during her talk! 

Dana also discusses self-care and it's importance at different stages of life, but most importantly in the present day.

Dana has come to realize that "No" is a real word and she firmly believes it one of the most important words you can learn. Also, a lesson learned and one that has helped her is that what someone thinks of you is none of your business. Finally, she encourages all who are listening to remember that when things get tough, remember to tap into your support system of friends and family...and if not them then a counselor/mental health provider. Saying you need help and then getting that help is the best thing you can do to work towards healing and getting mentally healthy and strong. Ultimately Dana wants you to know you are loved!

This episode ends with a recap of her 5 past guests, Carmen Gercone, Carmen Teague, Tajuana Hill, Vanetta Roy and Nicole Jackson-Hopkins. She gives the community of listeners a few highlights of each episode and the nuggets and lessons each has to offer. Please go back and take a listen to those episodes. And then next week, you won't want to miss Attorney, Shanita Straw of Golden Law. What an amazing story of persistence!

At the episode's conclusion Dana gives the listening community 3 Affirmations to repeat and believe as we all make this journey through life and work to make it the best it can be...full of passion and purpose. 

Tune in today, subscribe, share and listen up!

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey, the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support!

This week's guest, Nicole Jackson-Hopkins has been Designating Managing Broker-Owner & Founder of 3G Realty Inc since 2006.
She grew up in Bellwood, IL and has a lived a life where she has reinvented herself many times, beginning with graduating from high school and heading to college, majoring in Computer Science for a short time before deciding to obtain her cosmetology license. From there, she learned about logistics and trucking services at Sears, utilizing her skills as an account specialist while also working as a hair dresser; before meeting my husband. She eventually utilized those skills to help run his business.

Shortly after getting married, and a couple of weeks after her first daughter's 1st birthday, her mother fell ill and slipped into a comatose state in which she remained for 19 years. Her mother went to live with Nicole's aunt who was an LPN and provided care for several years, while Nicole assisted in her care as she juggled work, motherhood and being a wife. The stress of managing so many things left Nicole ill several times throughout the years as well, with her eventually developing symptoms of anxiety which she discusses candidly in this episode.

Eventually, Nicole began her career as a real estate agent and within a year obtained her Managing Broker license and opened her own Brokerage, known today as 3G Realty Inc. The market crash of 2008 motivated her to go back to school and obtain her Bachelors of Science and her MBA. In addition, she and her family purchased a disability accessible home to accommodate her mother's care and her mother remained in her home until she passed away in 2017.

3G Realty now has 2 office locations and 3 full-time agents. Nicole says, "my mother’s journey has taught me to relinquish my fears & doubts in life while my father’s encouragement and support has helped me developed a great sense of courage, spiritual freedom & a humbling appreciation for life".

Tune in today as Nicole discusses life not being a straight line and how there will be many curves and winding roads, but that we should keep going and not be afraid to fail. She says, we must always do things the right way so no-one can take an accomplishment from us. Nicole emphasizes that we must listen to our OWN voices and cancel the noise of others opinions, otherwise we may let fear paralyze us and we can't let it! She urges the listeners to know their worth and to not let others minimize that worth. "Balance is essential" she says, and "it is ok to say you need help and acknowledge when you are not in a good space mentally". In the end, life throws many things at you, but it's how you carry that load that makes the difference.

You can google Nicole Jackson-Hopkins. She is also on Instagram (@njacksonhop_3grceo), Facebook and Youtube.

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey, the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose!

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support!

This week's guest, Vanetta Denise Roy is a self-described mother, grandmother, employee and boss! She has a Masters in Education and is employed as an educator in public schools with a specialty in special education. She is also the owner of Surfs Up South Shore and Surf's Up Old Town in Chicago.  Vanetta is a genuine lover of life and humanity.  She is free spirited, always rooting for happiness and what that means to you! Vanetta, LOVES people and watching scary movies. She believes in love and hates when people judge! Vanetta encourages people to be "fearless enough" to challenge the “norms” and what society tells us to be. Vanetta says she was "once a young mother who has finally become a grown ass woman!" (this made me chuckle).

Vanetta delves into why she feels we have to be fearless and challenge what society tells us to be. She also talks about how genuine love restores and brings you joy and that we are responsible for our happiness. 

We discuss the fact that we don't always believe that we are enough! Social media has somewhat distorted images and makes it harder for the youth today to accept that they are good enough and being themselves is the true goal.

When talking about her journey from young single mother and student to employee to business owner, Vanetta illustrates her walk and how "sacrifice and struggle comes before success", and that "God lines up everything you need when it is the right decision".

In the end Vanetta stresses that the Laws of Attraction are real and how the positive energy you put into the universe is reciprocal!

You don't want to miss this very honest and open conversation about motherhood, running a business, why she loves her students so much, parents who sometimes encourage you to deter dreams thinking they are protecting you and how in the end you have to be true to yourself. 

Find Vanetta on Instagram @vlive_baby and follow her restaurants @surfs_oldtown (1143 N Wells, Chicago) Surfs Up South Shore (2236 E 71st St)

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with Dana Wright and the women she has been fortunate to connect with to discuss their life's journey, the great things they are doing, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating their work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their actions, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose! 

Fearless, Inspired and Free Podcast endeavors to build a community of learning, appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support!

Today's guest is Tajuana L. Hill. She has continued to reinvent herself as she journeys through life. We discuss what she has learned about herself and the importance of doing things that bring you joy while exhibiting kindness in all that you do.

In our discussion she stresses that you must always be yourself, and that to get something going you just have to BEGIN. Tajuana says if you aren't changing you aren't growing and that it's ok to evolve and trust yourself.

She describes herself as a "Masterpiece Maker and a Creator of all things" and utilizes her natural talent of creativity to bring a painting twist to conferences, team building events and the painting parties.

As an entrepreneur, she successfully started the Essence of Green Soy Candle Company and Essence of Green Publishing Company.  She wrote and self-published “Mind Your Green Business (2011), Ten-aciously Green (2008), Paint Your Vision (2018) and Creating the Masterpiece in You Gratitude Journal (2018).  Ten-aciously Green has been featured in two nationally published magazines; Sista-2-Sista and Upscale.

As a visionary, in 2011, she started Mimosa and a Masterpiece, a paint and sip art studio in downtown Indianapolis.  Mimosa and a Masterpiece was featured locally in the Indy Star, Indianapolis Recorder, WISH TV, and Indianapolis Monthly. She continues to run Mimosa and a Masterpiece online today.

In 2013, Tajuana completed the Coach Training Intensive from the CAPP Institute of Coaching and Positive Psychology and is a Certified Personal and Executive Coach. 

In 2015, Tajuana was featured in an article in the nationally published Money Magazine, “What You Can Learn From 401(k) Millionaires in the Making.”  In it she talked about the value of saving with compounding interest and why everyone needs several streams of revenue!

In March 2016, Mimosa and a Masterpiece in a Box was launched.

In 2018, Tajuana continued to increase her brand awareness by developing, “Creating the Masterpiece in You” which is an e-Course and speaking platform that she delivers.  

Tajuana values personal development and in 2019 enrolled in a 2 year personal development program further investing in herself.

Deciding that it was imperative to use her voice, she developed and created “What the Quote Podcast”. WTQ podcast launched in July of 2020 and discusses the favorite quotes of her guests and encourages all to be create Kind Humans!

Tajuana has a Bachelors of Science in Human Resource Management and a Master’s of Science in Human Resource Development from Indiana State University.  In addition to all of her accomplishments, she has been employed at Rolls-Royce Corporation for the past 23 years, and has been a UAW Trainer for the past 25 years.

Follow Tajuana on Instagram at @wtq.podcast and @tajuanahill

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with women in their life's journey, doing great things, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating life, work and personal business; becoming Fearless in their action, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose! The goal is to build a community of appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support in this space!

The host, Dana Wright served the public in law enforcement for 20 years before she retired in 2019. In that time she held multiple leadership positions within an agency that was one of the largest in the nation. After retirement, she entered into the private sector as a Corporate Security Professional. In addition, she is a Certified Personal and Executive Coach, and has been successful for many years working with people to get them where they desire to be in both their careers and personal lives. Dana has a been able to amass a wealth of education and certifications in her life's journey, including a Master of Science in Leadership, Certified Personal and Executive Coach and FBINA graduate, but her most valuable lessons came from her experiences throughout the years and the people she has been and continues to be able to engage with in various aspects of her life.

Today's guest is Carmen Teague. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has practiced school social work in a variety of educational settings for over 10 years. Carmen is extremely passionate about working with adolescents, especially young African American women. Currently she is a school social worker for the Glenbard School District. She also has a private practice in Oak Park where she specializes in working with individuals who are managing anxiety and depression.

In today's conversation, Carmen discusses her feelings about being a victim versus a survivor. She walks us through acceptance that something occurred, accepting support and tapping into your strength. Also, she gives us some tools for managing stress, anxiety and depression and how COVID may have made us more open to talking and seeking the help we may need. 

Tune in as we learn how to practice Mindfulness, being grateful and some grounding activities as well...just in time to get us through this coming week!

You can find Carmen on the Psychology Today website. 

Hey there everyone! Today is a new year for me and a wonderful day to launch my podcast, Fearless, Inspired and Free. It will be a platform for building community and uplifting women in our daily lives doing great things. 

A little about me...I served the public in law enforcement for 20 years before retiring in 2019. In that time I held multiple leadership positions within an agency that was one of the largest in the nation. After retiring, I entered into the private sector as a Corporate Security Professional.

During all of my time in both the public and private sector, I have remained passionate about self-growth and the growth and success of all of my teams. Although women have always been my passion, as a Certified Personal and Executive Coach, I have been successful for many years working with people to get them where they desire to be in both their careers and personal lives. 

In this space I will interview women and learn about their life's story and the things that made them who they are today. In our time together we will support, embrace and lift ALL of the guests. All points of view shared will be welcome with mutual respect as we build a movement of love and kindness.

We will have casual conversations from a place of love and kindness. Coffee, wine or your favorite flavored water is always welcome in this space! It will be therapeutic in a way that we will begin to see a bit of ourselves in each guest and we will learn that we are not alone, we are resilient and we ALL have a story that needs to be heard. 

My goal is to tell stories, share in a community of safety...laugh, cry, learn and grow. I will rely on my community each week to provide feedback to make this space more informative and inspiring. Also, nominate a woman you want to hear from!! 

We are here to hear the stories of women being Fearless, Inspired and Free.....Free to grow. Free to be their authentic selves. Inspired to motivate themselves and others. Fearless in the acceptance of who they are and in their journey through life to live a life THEY choose.

Join me on weekly on Mondays to meet the newest guest who will help me build an amazing community of kindness. See you there!

Welcome back to Fearless, Inspired and Free, a weekly conversation with women in their life's journey, doing great things, overcoming life's obstacles, navigating life, work and personal businesses; becoming Fearless in their action, Inspired to live authentically and Free to live a life they choose! The goal is to build a community of appreciation, encouragement, resilience, growth, acceptance, kindness and support in this space!

The host, Dana Wright served the public in law enforcement for 20 years before she retired in 2019. In that time she held multiple leadership positions within an agency that was one of the largest in the nation. After retirement, she entered into the private sector as a Corporate Security Professional. In addition, she is a Certified Personal and Executive Coach, and has been successful for many years working with people to get them where they desire to be in both their careers and personal lives. Dana has a been able to amass a wealth of education and certifications in her life's journey, including a Master of Science in Leadership, Certified Personal and Executive Coach and FBINA graduate, but her most valuable lessons came from her experiences throughout the years and the people she has been and continues to be able to engage with in various aspects of her life.

Today's guest is Carmen Gercone. In their conversation, Carmen and Dana discuss: The supportive women in Carmen's life, her perceived lack of her father's support only to find the gift that his words and actions were, the desire for growth after feeling stagnate, listening to God's voice and how it will guide you, the reason you don't close doors, how others see your gifts and how it is not always evident to you, why you should make YOU a priority and how important it is to "stay OPEN to it all".

When asked, Carmen says....

I am a wife, mother, and a grandmother. I  have never chosen the "easy road",  but I have always owned the road I chose.
As a teenage mother, EASY was not an option. As a single mother on Public Aid, with 2 young sons, EASY was not an option.  As a 21yr old, newly appointed Deputy Sheriff, EASY was not an option, and after 26 years and a feeling that I was no longer being my authentic self, FEAR was not the option.
In 2020, I was forced to examine myself by putting together my very 1st resume.  I was surprised to see the abilities, and capabilities, that others saw in me slowly coming to life as I continued to look back at my career. Yes, at 48 years old, and 26 years in Law Enforcement, I was full of FEAR and thought about taking the EASY road, and staying in a place where I would have to continue to wait for permission to be FEARLESS, INSPIRED, and FREE.  After many conversations,  with others as well as myself, the decision was made and I am owning the road I chose.