We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Falin Thompson-Daniels a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Falin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
I had all these ideas in my head, too many to even concentrate on. I realized that I had to calm myself down and organize all thoes ideas. So I started with an objective or niche if you would. I had to figure out my target audience and then research innovational ideas to attract that specific audience. After much research I understood that I needed a way to connect with my audience, so I invested in getting my website up and running. Which, by the way was one of the best decisions I made. I decided to go with this particular company “Designitics” and everything just started to come together. This company gave me ideas that I had not thought of at all, from marketing to social media content to my very own P.W.A (business app) and so much more. I took a chance and invested in my life’s purpose and passion, a leap of faith. It was challenging and of course scary, but I had to take a chance in way a gamble. I then decided to get certified in every thing possible related to my mission. I researched and compared certifications to became a certified life coach, once I decided on the institute I started immediately. Again, I had to invest in my self for myself. That too was demanding, but I knew the importance so I did it. I’m now a Master Certified Life Coach. I’m currently working on becoming a certified motivational speaker. And let’s not forget about the author in me, haha. This part was by far the hardest and most time consuming, frustrating, and apprehensive aspect of my business. Starting from scratch, I was lost. I was stressed that I nearly gave up. I couldn’t find anyone who had already accomplished what I was trying to do to actually guide me. I would reach out to a few self published authors and inquire on the proper steps and the do’s and don’ts and kept coming up nowhere. I will admit for a moment I did give up, but then I got back on track. My book is finally almost ready for the editing phase, in which I hired a book writing company that I trusted for the editing and now everything is currently on schedule. I’m hoping to launch my book by late May. I also had to do some self evaluating, I had to step out of my comfort zone and promote myself and even network. I had to learn that it’s ok to be nervous but never allow nerves to stand in your way. This experience has a tremendous work in progress. I still have several other parts to work out, such as partnerships with professional services for the advocacy aspect of my business. And lastly just like anything else in life, you get what you put in, I’ve birth this goal and therefore it is requiring commentment and funding out of my pocket but I know in the end it will all come together and be beyond worth the work I’ve put into it.
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?
BEAUTY for ASHES, ADVOCACY LLC I came up with the idea to become a motivational speaker, author, Life Coach, and advocate due to my own personal experiences. It’s not that the idea in itself was one of a kind, but I wanted to do my part to give back to society and contribute kind deeds to people in need. I wanted to be for as many people what I wished I had during my struggles throughout my life. I was physically abused, molested/raped, suffered physicalogical abuse, and experienced domestic violence nearly taking my life. I went through a very dark period in my life to the point of suicidal ideation and self destruction. But with the grace of God, I was able to overcome thoes challenges and begin my journey of new beginnings and becoming the best version of myself. About 12 years ago I became a police officer and I thought that was my life purpose until, police call after call I started to relive the very traumas and conflicts that I experienced, but I was there to help others with theirs. I hadn’t dealt with my own issues from my past and it was hindering me in every way possible. I was reliving the very things that I convinced myself I had escaped. I convinced myself that everything was going great, but deep down I was still incomplete and personally uncomfortable and I knew I was suppose to be doing more. I finally decided that I was no longer ashamed of my past “Ashes” and that by sharing my story I could possibly inspire the next person to keep pushing forward to new beginnings “Beauty”.
Resulting in Beauty for Ashes, Advocacy: Isaiah 61:3…. Basic translation
Exchange your sorrows, pains, and brokenness for peace, love, fulfillment. So started my own Advocacy business, the service titles speak for themselves. When it comes to the Advocacy side of things, I’m currently working out a way to have group therapy for thoes interested in connecting with people that share similar experiences, but may not be ready for professional counseling or even seeking professional counseling. Women that need a companion when they go to trial for prosecution of their abuser. I’m developing a screening process for victims that are facing hardships financially, but who are escaping domestic abuse. My paln is to have services for anyone in need, regardless of gender and ethnicity.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Despite facing so much adversity, I’m still standing. I’m at a point in life where I can honestly say I know who I am. I own every perfect imperfection of myself and acknowledge the person that I am. I’m not afraid to adjust own attitude and put myself in place. I’m at peace and I not longer question the why’s, instead I’ve chosen to take my misfortunes and be fortunate for someone else. Although I still have things I’m working on, I can whole heartily say that I’m living in my purpose with my head held high.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal is simple I want to help who I can. My mission is to encourage others to step out and not be ashamed of their past. Mental illness is all around us, it’s time for each of us hold ourselves accountable and do what we can to help the next person. If my story or services can give a person hope for a brighter tomorrow, then I’m satisfied. If my story can deter a person from committing suicide and seek help, I’ve accomplished my goal. If my speeches can give life and a new understanding to someone about a situation they are facing, then I’m doing my part. This is my way of giving back..
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bfaadvocacy.com
- Instagram: beautyforashesadvocacy
- Facebook: Beauty for Ashes
Image Credits
The Hundred Dollar Headshots