We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anna Papa. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anna below.
Alright, Anna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Helping women to improve and enjoy their marriage is incredibly important to me. I am one of them, and in 18 years of my marriage, I’ve personally experienced many ups and downs. I can fully relate to and understand what my clients go through.
Throughout my life, I’ve seen too many women who were unhappy and felt unable to improve their relationships on their own. And since their husbands were not interested in getting help, they felt stuck and hopeless. Why? Because there are so many marital myths that don’t serve your marriage. One of them is “It takes two to Tango”, and another is “Marriage is 50:50”.
These myths keep so many women helpless, They think that nothing will change until their spouse agrees to actively work on their relationship. But this is not true. From my personal experience, and my work as a coach, I knew that women alone could bring many impactful changes to their life and marriage.
That is why I dedicate my entire work to helping women to understand their influence and power.
There’s nothing more rewarding to me than helping them turn sadness, anger, and resentment into hope, joy, and peace.
Anna, 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 am a Certified Relationship Coach and founder of Anna Papa International.
Next to being a coach, I enjoy sharing my insights with others through writing and speaking as well.
Although I started to professionally coach in 2014, the journey to my career began long before that. I grew up in Poland, and for as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about helping others and listening to their stories Without any hesitation, I chose to pursue a degree in psychology to work with people who need guidance and advice. Right after graduating from a university in Poland, I had the opportunity to come to Dallas, TX, and pursue my degree here. I was planning on becoming a therapist, but meanwhile, I discovered coaching and was fascinated by its uplifting approach. After graduating from UTD, I received my coaching certification and turned my passion for helping others into a business.
In my coaching practice, I specialize in working with wives whose husbands may not initially see issues in their marriage or may not actively seek professional help. What sets my approach apart is my belief in the power of women to effect positive change within their marriages, even when their partners might not be actively engaged in the process.
Contrary to common myths that both partners must equally contribute to relationship improvement, I focus on empowering women to take a leadership role in their marriages. My coaching goes beyond traditional marriage strategies and tools – it’s about assisting women in dismantling limiting beliefs, cultivating a strong mindset, and understanding the profound impact their focus and energy can have on their relationships.
I firmly believe that women possess significant influence within the dynamics of a marriage, and my coaching is designed to help them harness that power.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My journey of resilience began when I decided to leave everything familiar in Poland and venture into the unknown in the United States. The transition was far from seamless. A degree I earned in Poland did not seamlessly transfer to the U.S. My desire to build a career dedicated to helping others better their lives and relationships was put on hold. I had to go back to school. I immersed myself in a whirlwind of full-time work and full-time college, navigating a new language and culture.
The purpose that fueled my journey helped to guide me through the complexities of building a new life. The relentless pursuit of my goals kept me going, even when the path seemed daunting.
Fast forward to today, as an entrepreneur, the trials continue. Challenges in my business sometimes trigger the instinct to seek a full-time job for the sake of stability. However, my true purpose reminds me of what I’m here to accomplish. It’s a daily test of resilience – a reminder that the journey may not always be easy, but the destination is worth every hardship.
In these moments, I focus on the strength and determination that carried me through work and school in a new country. The resilience cultivated in those early days is propelling me forward in the pursuit of my life’s mission. Because when challenges arise, I remember not only where I’ve been but also where I’m headed – toward a future shaped by purpose and resilience.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Unlearning the lesson that I should be entirely self-sufficient and not ask for help has been a game-changer for me. Growing up, I absorbed the notion that seeking assistance was a sign of weakness or a lack of skills. The conviction that if I were smart, I could figure everything out by myself became a guiding principle in my life. This mindset persisted until a pivotal moment – the journey into motherhood. Becoming a mom exposed me to the realities of parenting, My son, dealing with digestive issues, was a very challenging baby. Despite exhaustion and depletion, I clung to the idea that I should manage on my own, and not ask for help. This misguided belief resulted in burnout, a compromised immune system, and periods of depression.
The same mindset resurfaced when I started my own business. The internal voice insisted that I should do it all on my own, discouraging me from seeking assistance. I tried to power through, but surprise, surprise – mental exhaustion, lack of sleep, and slow progress were back.
It wasn’t until I joined an online community of entrepreneurs that I began to challenge and unlearn this damaging lesson. People were talking about the importance of asking for help, and it hit me – maybe I’ve been looking at it all wrong. I started realizing that success isn’t just about helping others but also being ok with asking for help when you need it.
This old belief still pops up sometimes, trying to convince me I should be a superhero. But I’ve learned to see it for what it is – a big lie.
Asking for support isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s become a key ingredient in finding balance, and fulfillment in both my personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.annapinternational.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annapinternational/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annapinternational/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-papa-aa197091/