We were lucky to catch up with Amy DeAnda recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Amy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
Breast Cancer! After years in corporate project management and conference planning while being a single mom to two boys, the long hours, stress and lack of self care culminated in Stage 3 breast cancer. That year of chemo and multiple surgeries including a mastectomy really brought about a new perspective on life. Unless you’ve been there, it’s hard to really describe how much the experience changes you. The realization that we only have “now” and there is so much to experience in life meant I needed drastic life changes. I traded the stress of an 8-5 job for the pursuit of a purpose-driven life focused on things that bring me joy and deep connection to Self and others.
Amy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I consider myself a student of life, with my heart deeply rooted in community and the need for connection. I attribute this to a beautiful upbringing by my Cherokee grandparents and extended family in rural Oklahoma on Cherokee Nation land.
Through my own personal growth journey, I have taken my experiences and created a life of leading with love and a foundation for sharing and creating opportunities for bonding. This is my purpose and what motivates me every day. It is also my core belief that, as women, we are stronger together. I believe we should be lifting each other up.
I don’t believe I “solve problems” for women. In my work, it’s critical for me to create an environment of acceptance and emotional safety for self-reflection.
In group experiences it’s so important to me to provide a safe space for women to explore self-love and self-empowerment through gently guided conversation, solo and group activities, and somatic work. In individual work, I use my intuitive strengths to tailor the sessions to align with my clients specific needs.
I am most proud of having been witness to some powerful breakthroughs and the overcoming of long-standing patterns keeping women from living their best lives.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
All paths led me to right here! My career choice is a culmination of many years in project management, event planning, massage, writing, my love of gathering and connecting people and trusting my intuitive sense! I feel like it is the very best of skills from a lifetime of work and life experiences that allows me to be who I am today for my clients.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Empathy and intuitiveness are critical! Also ability to listen genuinely and hold a space that feels safe for vulnerable communication.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.goddesses.garden
- Instagram: @gardenofthegoddesses