We were lucky to catch up with Camellia Varnado recently and have shared our conversation below.

Camellia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

The idea for my brand and podcast had been brewing since 2020. It was originally called “Unfiltered Hummingbird with Camellia”. I’d bounce around topics with my husband, a whirlwind of procrastination tasks disguised as brainstorming. “Should I focus on productivity?” I’d ask, then veer off into a tangent about a particularly challenging life coaching client. “Or maybe mindfulness? No, wait! What about the power of hope?”

My husband, the patient and engaging listener, would nod along with a smile. Finally, I blurted out, “I want to encourage people to hope beyond what they see, to believe in something bigger!”

He cracked up laughing. “That’s Camellia, because that’s what you are.”

I blinked. “Camellia?”

“Yep,” he smiled, “You’re like a Camellia, the flower. Delicate, sure, but blooming beautifully in the most unexpected places. You help people find their own inner strength, just like that.”

I stared at him, dumbfounded but blushing at the sweet compliments he just spoke about me. It was perfect. “That’s Camellia.” The name rolled off the tongue, elegant and unexpected, just like the flower itself. From that moment on, “Thats Camellia” became the heartbeat of my brand, a reminder to myself and my listeners to embrace their inner strength and bloom beautifully, no matter what life throws their way.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a seven-time author (including my first E-Book), inspirational speaker, host of the “That’s Camellia Podcast,” and a certified life coach specializing in helping individuals overcome procrastination. This journey began with a desire to overcome my own challenges, leading me to explore personal development and the power of self-belief.

Today, I share my insights and experiences through my podcast where I have candid conversations with women about the realities of life. As an inspirational speaker, I empower audiences to cultivate kindness, find resilience, and unlock their full potential.

I’m most proud of the ripple effect my podcast conversations and guests have had on my community. I regularly receive notes, emails, and Instagram messages from listeners expressing their appreciation for topics ranging from resilience to perimenopause.

It’s living out loud on purpose.

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

My daughter, born at a mere 25.5 weeks, weighing a mere 1 pound 11 ounces, was a miracle. Her arrival so early was unexpected, without any known complications that led to an emergency surgery. The first 24 hours were a blur of fear and uncertainty. The doctors painted a grim picture, her future hanging by a thread.

But then, something incredible happened. A wave of love and support washed over us. My husband, our prayer warriors, our church family, and loved ones rallied around us, their prayers forming an invisible shield of hope. The next day, the same doctor who had delivered the bad news, declared, “Your baby girl is doing remarkable.”

It was still a long and arduous journey. Three months in the NICU, a constant ache of separation, and the relentless rhythm of pumping breast milk every two hours. I left the hospital without my daughter, my heart heavy with longing.

But just like the butterfly with the damaged wing, my daughter fought. She defied the odds, growing stronger each day. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we brought her home. She started in my cocoon, fragile and vulnerable. But slowly, miraculously, she bloomed into a vibrant, healthy butterfly, a testament to the incredible resilience of the power of prayer and love.

This experience taught me the profound power of hope, the unwavering strength of love, and the incredible capacity for healing that lies within us all. It is a story I share with my audience, a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, we can find the strength to persevere and emerge stronger than ever before.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

For years, I was on a fast track. Climbing the corporate ladder, I was driven by a relentless pursuit of success. I prided myself on my ambition, my ability to meet deadlines, and my unwavering focus on achieving my goals. Then, 2020 happened. The world, including my carefully constructed career path, was thrown in the air.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a global pause. Suddenly, the relentless pursuit of success seemed insignificant compared to the fragility of life. I was forced to slow down, to prioritize what truly mattered – my family, my health, and my well-being.

I was forced to think about what truly mattered in life and what I wanted to do. I questioned what truly made me happy and fulfilled. Instead of succumbing to regret and procrastination, I chose to embrace this unexpected detour as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

Instead of clinging to the familiar, I embraced the unknown. I used the time to reconnect with loved ones, to nurture my creativity, and to explore new avenues. I started the “That’s Camellia Podcast,” a platform for authentic conversations and a way to connect with others on a deeper level.

This pivot, though unexpected and initially unsettling, ultimately led me to a more fulfilling path. I discovered a newfound sense of purpose, helping others navigate their own challenges and find their own paths to resilience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thatscamellia.com
• Instagram: #thatscamellia
• Linkedin: Camellia Varnado
• Twitter: #thatscamellia
• Youtube: @thatscamellia

Image Credits

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