Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda LaMendola.

Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I’ve always resonated with the mythology of Lilith—a rebel, an advocate, a cycle breaker. I was never one to follow the script written for me. As a first-generation college graduate—and the first woman in my family to earn a degree—I’ve spent my life pushing against the roles I was expected to accept. A too-loud eldest daughter, a fierce advocate for women’s liberation, and a firm believer that defiance is a form of self-preservation. I’m proud of who I am today—and I fought like hell to get here.

I grew up in a world that tried to keep me small. Like so many eldest daughters, I carried burdens too heavy for a child, learning early on that survival was the true success. My teenage years were shaped by loss, addiction, and violence, and that survival instinct followed me into early adulthood. I was constantly moving, couch surfing, and chasing stability across states. To put myself through school, I juggled multiple underpaying, overworking jobs, eventually earning my degree from the State University of New York. I started my career in behavioral analysis before returning to New Mexico to pursue my graduate studies, where I became an art therapist and counselor.

Now, five years into this work, I live in Portland, Oregon, specializing in helping women and those of marginalized genders rewrite their stories, reclaim their magic, and unlearn the patriarchal conditioning that keeps them from knowing their true selves. My path was anything but traditional, and that’s exactly what makes this work so powerful—I know firsthand what it means to reclaim your own narrative.

Lilith refused to be tamed, and so did I. I built a life that was never meant for me—on my own terms. Now, I help others do the same—because the revolution always starts within.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

No way! People in my life often tell me I should write a book, and honestly, they’re probably right. The road has been anything but smooth. Along the way, I lived in four different states, survived two hurricanes, and weathered several toxic relationships—one of which involved being engaged to a man with a pretty scary drug addiction. Add in family-of-origin trauma, healing work, and years of navigating abusive work environments, and you’ve got a recipe for chaos. And, of course, being a woman, I had to fight through societal expectations, stereotypes, harassment, and the constant push to be “obedient” and “quiet” while navigating it all. But every single challenge has shaped me into who I am today. I wouldn’t change a thing—because it’s all part of the fire that fuels my work now.

As you know, we’re big fans of The Groove Society. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

My business, The Groove Society, is all about helping women and those of marginalized genders rewrite their stories, reclaim their magic, and burn down the societal conditioning that’s been holding them back. I’m known for bringing a powerful, intersectional feminist approach to self-love and liberation, blending art therapy, a little magic, and real talk to guide my clients through the messy, beautiful process of deconstructing the patriarchy and living in their authenticity.

What sets me apart? I’m not here for fluff. I’m not here for toxic positivity. I’m real, I’m raw, and I’m here to help you face the hard truths, break the cycles, and come out the other side with a deeper, more authentic connection to yourself. I specialize in helping women who are tired of being quiet, obedient, and small—helping them find their roar, reclaim their power, and take up space in the world.

What I’m most proud of brand-wise is how The Groove Society centers radical self-love and rebellion. It’s a space where we celebrate unapologetic authenticity, no matter how unconventional that looks. My programs and resources aren’t about fitting into a box; they’re about creating your own. And if there’s one thing I want your readers to know, it’s that The Groove Society is here to disrupt the systems that hold us back—from patriarchal conditioning to societal expectations—and empower you to build a life that’s 100% yours, on your terms.

What matters most to you?

What matters most to me is walking my talk—living the work I do and embodying the principles I teach. It’s not enough to just help others reclaim their stories and step into their power; I have to do it myself, every single day. This matters because I know what it feels like to be lost, disconnected, and stuck in survival mode. When we live in a world that conditions us to suppress our needs, desires, and power, it’s easy to forget who we really are.

I’m deeply committed to empowering my community to break free from the conditioning they’ve absorbed, whether it’s from the patriarchy, societal expectations, or personal trauma. I believe that when we center ourselves, our lives shift in profound ways. It’s not just about healing—it’s about transformation.

Why? Because I’ve been there. I know the pain of living someone else’s narrative, and I know how much power lies in rewriting it. When we take back our stories, we take back our lives. That’s the magic I want to help everyone tap into—and I make sure I’m living that truth too.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thegroovesociety
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandalamendola
• Other: Threads : thegroovesociety