We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aleida Lynn Clincy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aleida Lynn below.

Aleida Lynn, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

Let me take you back to the beginning. I was in a class at Columbia College Chicago on Entrepreneurship and that’s when the bug bit me. From there I always knew I wanted to start something of my own, but the big question was always—what kind of business? I grew up mostly with people who had an employee mindset, and let’s not forget the nearly $100k student loan debt hanging over me. The plan was always to find a “good job” after my education, not start something of by own, but deep down, I wanted more than the typical 9-5 life but didn’t feel confident, understood nor supported.

Therefore, confidence and self-esteem was a big initial hurdles for me. However, one night, I had this dream, which I truly believe was God-given, to create The Best You Network. I was unclear on the extent of the message and purpose for TBY, so my now coaching business started as just a brand and blog, a little spark to inspire women to become their best selves. However, back then, the truth is it was more of an expensive hobby than a profitable venture.

Then life took a dark turn when I found myself in an emotionally abusive, narcissistic marriage that ended in a traumatic divorce. I hit rock bottom, let go of everything I was building, and sank into depression. I stopped paying for my domain, hosting, and email marketing services. And just like that, everything I built was gone, and at that time, I didn’t care.

But here’s the thing about hitting rock bottom—you can only go up from there. As I started to heal, I realized I had an amazing testimony as an abuse survivor that could help other women who were where I was years prior. The Best You Network took on a whole new and more impactful meaning. I couldn’t ignore the call, so I decided to rebuild. I invested in myself, found a business coach, and got certified as a life coach.

Key Steps and Challenges in Establishing a Firm/Practice:
1. Vision and Purpose:
Defining what The Best You Network stood for and how exactly it would serve women was the cornerstone of my journey. A clear vision and purpose act as a guiding light, ensuring every decision aligns with your ultimate goals. It’s essential to know not just what you do, but why you do it. This clarity not only inspires you but also attracts others who share your passion and mission.

2. Building from Scratch:
Rebranding, setting up a new website, and starting from zero again was particularly frustrating for me because it reminded me of what I lost. However, this process also taught me a valuable lesson: don’t be afraid to start over. Every new beginning holds the potential for growth and improvement. Embrace the opportunity to build even if its from scratch with the previous life and business wisdom and experience you’ve gained.

3. Financial Struggles:
Finding ways to fund my vision while still paying off debt and recovering from a divorce was one of the toughest challenges. This period taught me the importance of financial resilience and creativity. Learn to manage your resources wisely, seek out new revenue streams, and never underestimate the power of a well-planned budget. Financial struggles are temporary, but the skills and discipline you develop in managing them will serve you for a lifetime.

4. Emotional Healing:
Overcoming personal trauma to lead and inspire others is perhaps the most profound challenge I faced. True leadership comes from a place of authenticity and vulnerability. When it comes to a message driven business, healing your own wounds allows you to connect deeply with others and offer genuine support and guidance. Remember, your strength lies in your ability to transform problem into purpose and showing others how to do the same. By sharing your journey, you not only help others but also reinforce your own growth and resilience.

Looking back, would I do anything differently? I would’ve trusted God’s timing more and believed in myself earlier. It’s easy to get discouraged, but faith and resilience are key.

Advice for Young Professionals:
1. Dream Big, Start Small:
Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Start with what you have. Big dreams are essential, but they can often feel overwhelming. Break them down into small, manageable steps and begin with what’s within your reach. Each small action you take will build momentum and bring you closer to your larger goals. Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small.

2. Invest in Yourself:
Find mentors, take courses, and keep growing. Continuous self-improvement is the key to long-term success. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and wisdom, enroll in courses to expand your knowledge, and never stop learning. Investing in yourself not only enhances your skills but also boosts your confidence and opens up new opportunities.

3. Stay Faithful:
Trust God’s plan even when things get tough. Your story can become someone else’s breakthrough. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but they are also opportunities for growth and refinement. Keep your faith strong and trust that each obstacle is part of a larger plan. Your perseverance and faith can inspire others and become a powerful testimony of hope and resilience.

4. Build a Support System:
Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision. A strong support system is invaluable. Seek out relationships that uplift and encourage you. Whether it’s family, friends, or like-minded professionals, having a network of supportive individuals can provide the motivation, advice, and emotional strength needed to navigate the ups and downs of your professional journey. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone.

Remember, you’re not just building a business—you’re building a legacy. Keep pushing, keep praying, and watch God turn your dreams into reality.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Aleida Lynn Clincy, and I’m the founder of The Best You Network and the creator of The Reclaimed School. My journey into this industry was both challenging and transformative. Initially, my efforts began as a brand and blog aimed at inspiring women, and it took a while for it to become more than just a passion project and evolve into what it is today.

Life took a challenging turn when I found myself in an emotionally abusive and narcissistic marriage, which eventually led to a painful divorce. This period was incredibly tough, and I had to put my business dreams on hold as I navigated through the emotional turmoil. However, it was through this adversity that I discovered my true calling. As I healed, I realized that my experiences and testimony could provide hope and guidance to other women facing similar challenges.

I began sharing my story and testimony on Instagram Reels, and to my surprise, it went viral. Women from all over started reaching out to me, sharing their similar stories. This overwhelming response inspired me to launch The Reclaimed School, a program designed to help Christian women reclaim their lives after toxic relationships. The program focuses on inner healing, forgiveness, self-love, and discovering one’s identity and purpose in Christ.

I provide services and content designed to support women in overcoming the trauma of toxic relationships and divorce. My approach combines faith-based principles with practical strategies, creating a safe space where women can heal and grow. What sets me apart is my transparency and authenticity. I used to be a shy girl with low self-esteem, but now I freely share my story, and I believe that’s a major reason I draw clients.

I am also recently became a best-selling author, having contributed to the anthology “Rising Above Narcissistic Abuses Vol 2.” Additionally, I am now happily remarried in a healthy marriage, which has further enriched my understanding and ability to support other women on their journeys.

I am incredibly proud of the positive impact my work has had on the lives of the women I serve. Seeing them transform from places of pain to positions of strength and renewed purpose is the most rewarding part of what I do. It’s not just about overcoming the past but about embracing a future filled with God’s love and purpose.

The Best You Network is dedicated to helping women become their best selves, find healing and empowerment through a strong foundation of faith and community.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of authenticity, transparency, and a genuine desire to serve others. Sharing my story and testimony on Instagram has been a key element. By being open about my journey—my struggles, my healing process, and my triumphs—I’ve been able to connect with many women who resonate with my experiences. This transparency has built a strong sense of trust and relatability. Women see that I’ve been through what they’re going through, and they feel understood and supported.

Another crucial aspect has been focusing on serving others rather than just trying to earn money. I believe that when you prioritize the well-being and growth of your clients, the financial rewards naturally follow. My goal has always been to provide value and support that truly helps women reclaim their lives and discover their purpose. This mindset shift—from seeing clients as simply a source of revenue to viewing them as individuals in need of genuine help—has made a significant difference.

By being authentic and transparent, I’ve created a community where women feel safe to share their stories and seek guidance. This approach not only helps in building a loyal client base but also fosters a supportive environment where everyone can grow together. The financial success is a byproduct of the good service and real connections I strive to cultivate.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I’ve already touched on this a little, but one story from my journey that truly illustrates my resilience involves the aftermath of my emotionally abusive and narcissistic marriage. After the painful divorce, I was at one of the lowest points in my life. The emotional turmoil was overwhelming, and I had to put my business dreams on hold. It felt like everything I had worked for was slipping away.

During this time, I was also dealing with the challenge of being a single mother, trying to provide a stable and loving environment for my child despite the chaos. It was incredibly tough to stay strong for my child while I was struggling internally. There were moments when I felt utterly defeated, and the thought of rebuilding my life seemed almost impossible.

However, I refused to let my circumstances define me. I started seeking help and support through my faith community, therapy, and personal development. As I began to heal, I realized that my story could be a source of inspiration and hope for other women going through similar experiences. This realization gave me a renewed sense of purpose.

Rebuilding my life and business from the ground up required immense resilience. I had to confront my past, embrace my vulnerabilities, and transform my pain into a message of hope and healing. Through this journey, I learned the power of authenticity and the importance of serving others with a genuine heart. My resilience was not just about bouncing back but about growing stronger and using my experiences to make a positive impact on others.

This journey has taught me that even in the darkest times, there is always a way to find light and purpose. It has been a testament to God’s love and the strength He provides, enabling me to turn my struggles into a source of empowerment for myself and others. I want to encourage everyone to keep pushing, even when setbacks seem overwhelming, because on the other side of your resilience is success. Keep the faith and trust that every challenge you overcome brings you closer to your purpose and potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Thebestyou.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebestyounetwork/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/reclaimhercommunity

Image Credits

Red Hat & full body/white outfit- Jeromy Peterson
Black clothes – WhiteHouzeMedia