Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cerlisa Collins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cerlisa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?

One of the most unexpected challenges I’ve faced in my journey, both personally and professionally, was when I began sharing my story and advocating for others who had experienced intimate partner violence. Initially, I thought that by sharing my experience, I would only be helping others feel understood and less alone. However, I quickly realized that while many people resonated with my message, there were also those who did not fully comprehend the depth of the trauma and challenges involved. In fact, the lack of empathy and understanding from some people in my circle left me feeling isolated at times.

One specific situation that stands out was when I was preparing to release my book I Will Survive, which shares my personal story of overcoming domestic violence. While working on the project, I received unexpected backlash from a small group of people who questioned my decision to publicly share such a deeply personal part of my life. The comments were mostly from people who were close to me, and the judgment was not only difficult to digest but also created a deep sense of vulnerability that I hadn’t anticipated. It felt like a betrayal, especially when I thought that my transparency would be received with understanding and support.

At that moment, I had to dig deep and remind myself of why I embarked on this journey in the first place—to empower others, to be a voice for those who cannot speak out, and to let survivors know that they are not alone. The fear of rejection, which is something many survivors experience when coming forward about their trauma, became very real for me in this context. It was an emotional struggle to stay true to my mission despite the doubts that others were imposing.

To resolve this issue, I took a step back and reminded myself of the greater purpose behind my work. I sought counsel from other survivors who had gone through similar experiences of public exposure and used their stories as motivation. I also focused on the positive feedback I had received from people who found comfort in my words and took solace in knowing that I was giving them the courage to share their own stories.

In the end, I realized that no matter how difficult it was to navigate that moment of doubt, my voice and my truth were necessary. This situation taught me that healing and empowerment often come with unexpected obstacles, but overcoming those challenges only strengthens the message I strive to share with others. It also deepened my resolve to continue advocating for those who feel voiceless and isolated, just as I once did.

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 Cerlisa Collins, a survivor of domestic violence, an advocate, and the author of I Will Survive, a book that shares my personal journey and experiences in overcoming intimate partner violence. My path to becoming a voice for survivors wasn’t one I could have predicted, but it’s a journey I’ve embraced wholeheartedly, and one that I hope inspires others who have faced similar struggles to heal and reclaim their power.

I entered the advocacy space largely out of my own need to heal and find a sense of belonging after experiencing domestic violence. Like many survivors, I faced feelings of isolation and shame. At the time, I had no roadmap for recovery, and the resources available to me felt disconnected or insufficient. I wanted to share my story to let others know that healing is possible, no matter how dark the path may seem. This led me to create a platform where I could offer not just my personal story, but also provide resources, support, and inspiration to others on their own journeys to recovery.

My work centers on providing emotional support, practical advice, and educational tools for survivors of domestic violence. My book, I Will Survive, is one of my core creative works, but my advocacy extends beyond just the pages of the book. Through public speaking, social media platforms, and community outreach, I offer a safe space for survivors to share their experiences, ask questions, and find resources that can help them in their recovery process. I’m also dedicated to educating the broader community about intimate partner violence—what it looks like, how to support victims, and how to break the cycle of abuse.

What sets me apart from others in this field is my lived experience. I’m not just someone talking about domestic violence from an academic or theoretical standpoint—I’m someone who has lived through it, survived it, and thrived. This firsthand experience allows me to connect with my audience in a deeply authentic and relatable way. I understand the complexity and trauma of abusive relationships and what it takes to rebuild one’s life after leaving them. My approach is rooted in empathy, a trauma-informed perspective, and a genuine desire to see others heal.

What I’m most proud of is the impact my work has on those who feel they are alone. There’s a unique power in seeing someone who has been through the same struggles you’ve endured, and knowing that healing is possible. When I hear from people who have found hope or strength through my work, whether through my book or my social media, it reinforces the importance of what I do. I’m proud of the community I’ve been able to build and the conversations I’ve sparked—conversations that were once considered taboo or uncomfortable to have.

The most important thing I want potential clients, followers, and supporters to know is that my work is rooted in empathy and authenticity. Healing from domestic violence is not linear, and there is no “right way” to heal, but what I offer is a platform that validates your experience, provides the resources you need, and helps you rebuild your life at your own pace. It’s not about rushing recovery; it’s about understanding that healing is a journey and you don’t have to walk it alone.

I’m here to remind survivors that they are not defined by their trauma. They are strong, resilient, and capable of creating a life that they love, despite the challenges they may face. My brand, my message, and my work are all about empowerment, healing, and hope.

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

One of the most powerful stories that illustrates my resilience took place shortly after I left my abusive relationship. The road to recovery was not an easy one, and there were days when it felt like the weight of the trauma I’d experienced might overwhelm me. But one particular experience stands out that not only tested my resilience but also reaffirmed my commitment to helping others who have faced similar struggles.

It was around the time I was beginning to write I Will Survive. I had decided that sharing my story publicly might be the most powerful way to heal, not just for myself, but also for others who might be going through what I had. However, as I began to write, the emotional toll was overwhelming. Every word, every memory I revisited, triggered feelings of fear, shame, and pain. Some days, it felt like I was reliving the worst moments of my life all over again.

There was one day in particular when I was sitting at my desk, trying to write about one of the most painful chapters of my experience—the moment I decided to leave. The memories were so vivid, so raw, that I found myself paralyzed. I was overwhelmed with fear of judgment, fear of reliving that emotional pain, and a deep sense of uncertainty about whether I was strong enough to finish what I had started.

I remember sitting there in silence, staring at the screen, feeling like everything I had worked toward—the healing, the progress—was slipping away. In that moment, I thought about giving up. I thought about putting the manuscript aside, thinking that maybe the world didn’t need to hear my story.

I realized that my story wasn’t just mine. It belonged to so many others who were still trapped in silence, still struggling to find their voice.

That moment of realization pushed me to keep going. I wrote through the tears, through the fear, and through the pain. The process of sharing my story became not just an act of healing for me, but a commitment to others—an affirmation that, despite everything I had been through, I was still standing, still surviving, and still capable of thriving.

When I finished the book, it wasn’t just a victory over my past—it was a testament to my resilience. It showed me that even in the most difficult and painful times, I had the strength to keep moving forward, to continue sharing, and to ultimately empower others.

This story is a reminder that resilience isn’t about being unaffected by hardship. It’s about finding the strength to keep going even when the road seems impossible, and knowing that every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory in itself.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I currently sell my book I Will Survive on both Amazon and my personal website, www.womenceewomen.org. I chose to use both platforms because they each offer unique benefits, and together they help me reach a wider audience of survivors, supporters, and advocates.

Pros: Huge global audience

Trusted and convenient for buyers

Handles all the shipping and fulfillment

Reviews boost credibility

Cons: Limited control over branding and customer interaction

Amazon takes a percentage of each sale

Harder to build a personal connection with readers

Selling through my website gives me full control over how my book is presented and allows me to connect directly with readers. My site is not just a sales page—it’s a safe space for survivors and a resource hub. When people purchase through my website, they often also explore my story, blog posts, speaking engagements, and other ways I support the community. It allows for a more meaningful, personal experience.

Pros: Full control over branding, messaging, and customer journey

Ability to offer signed copies or exclusive content

Builds direct relationships with buyers and supporters

Cons: Requires more work (processing orders, maintaining the site, promotion)

Smaller reach compared to Amazon unless traffic is consistently driven to the site

By combining Amazon and my own website, I’m able to meet people where they are. Some prefer the ease of Amazon; others want a more personal connection or to support me directly. My website also serves as a platform to expand my mission—not just to sell a book, but to build a community and advocate for survivors.

Ultimately, my goal isn’t just to sell copies—it’s to spark healing, raise awareness, and create a space where women can see women overcoming, thriving, and supporting each other. That’s what womenceewomen.org is all about.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://womenceewomen.org
• Instagram: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnBKRGdjZm1keHd0VldxV2lOemlCQVJlMmJTd3xBQ3Jtc0trenNKdkZCNlo4d2pWakFkWlV0N3RJMUhyLVBZNUUtelN2UnFScXRCbWxfTk9rVVBtZ3lSalMxZlpMdmlvbDZFSzJLSHNzMENTZUN2VlNmRUVOa0FVOF92UVlJNXNtek41ZldIckFZR0xqYUNzelZ2dw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fwomenceewomen%3Figsh%3DZWhkbTNyMW41NWQz%26utm_source%3Dqr
• Youtube: @CeeMalii
• Other: [email protected]