We recently connected with Iris Canela and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Iris, thanks for joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

The Moment I Chose Surrender Over Control

I remember waking up one quiet morning, the sun streaming through my window as I made my usual cup of coffee. I had spent years building a career in education, pouring my heart into my students, meeting every challenge head-on, and achieving milestones that should have felt fulfilling. On the outside, it looked like I had it all together. But inside, something felt off. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was meant for something more.

As I sat down to meditate, a persistent question whispered in my mind: Is this it? The weight of that thought sat heavy on my chest. I had followed the path I was “supposed” to take—hard work, stability, success—but I had never stopped to ask myself if it truly aligned with the life I wanted to create.

That morning, something in me shifted. A quiet voice within urged me to let go of control, of the perfectly laid-out plans, of the expectations I had placed on myself for years. The thought of surrender terrified me. Letting go felt like failure. But deep down, I knew that holding on to a path that no longer fulfilled me was the real loss.

So, I took a leap. I booked a spontaneous trip to the Grand Canyon, searching for clarity. Sitting on the edge of the canyon, staring out at the endless horizon, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time; peace. The canyon’s expansiveness mirrored the possibilities that existed for me if I was brave enough to release my grip on certainty. I realized I didn’t have to have it all figured out. I just needed to trust the process.

That moment became the defining turning point in my career. I started saying yes to the unknown. I went on solo dates, joined transformative programs, embraced change, and, most importantly, made the bold decision to step away from teaching. I chose to step fully into coaching. A path where I could guide others through the same transformation I had experienced.

Surrender taught me to trust myself again, to listen to my intuition, and to step into my power. Today, I dedicate my work to helping Latina women and women of color do the same; to release control, trust themselves, and create lives that feel deeply aligned.

If I’ve learned anything from that moment, it’s that surrender isn’t about giving up. It’s about rising into the person you were always meant to be.

Iris, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Meet Iris Canela: The Joyful Surrender Coach Helping Women Reclaim Their Power

Hola, I’m Iris Canela, the joyful surrender coach, speaker, and community builder dedicated to helping women, especially Latinas, release control, trust themselves, and create lives filled with joy and alignment.

My journey into this work didn’t happen overnight. For years, I followed the “safe” path. I worked as a special education teacher, a role that allowed me to serve others but left me feeling depleted and unfulfilled. I had checked all the boxes of success, yet deep down, I knew something was missing. I longed for more freedom, more joy, and a life that felt truly mine. But as the eldest daughter of immigrant parents, I had been conditioned to always be in control, to carry the weight of responsibility, and to push through even when I was running on empty.

Everything changed when I chose to surrender. It wasn’t about giving up, it was about releasing the need to have everything figured out and trusting that something greater was waiting for me on the other side of fear. That decision led me to discover the power of embodiment, self-trust, and transformation.

What I Do & How I Serve
Now, through my coaching, content, and community, I guide Latinas and women of color through their own journeys of surrender and personal growth. I help my clients break free from cycles of control, self-doubt, and burnout so they can step into their power and live with more ease, joy, and alignment.

I offer:
✨ 1:1 Coaching – Personalized support to help you release control, trust your intuition, and take aligned action in your life.
✨ Content & Storytelling – On my social media platforms, I share stories, tools, and wisdom to empower women on their journeys.

What Sets Me Apart:
I bring a unique mix of warmth, realness, and deep wisdom to my work. I don’t believe in surface-level fixes. I’m here for the deep, soul-shifting transformation. My coaching isn’t about just setting goals; it’s about reclaiming your power, rewriting your story, and stepping fully into the life you deserve.

What I’m Most Proud Of:
I’m most proud of the women I’ve had the honor of guiding! Being able to witness them release the weight of expectations, trust themselves again, and create lives that light them up is what fuels me every day.

For Those Considering Working with Me….
If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly holding everything together, afraid to let go, or stuck in a cycle of burnout and self-doubt, I want you to know: you’re not alone. You can release control, trust yourself, and create a life that feels aligned and joyful. And I’m here to walk that journey with you.

Surrender isn’t about weakness…it’s about stepping into your true power. If you’re ready to experience that shift, I’d love to connect and support you on your path to transformation.

Let’s rise together. 💛

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

I’m deeply grateful for my career as a special education teacher. It allowed me to tap into my creativity, work with individuals with diverse needs, and meet people where they were while still encouraging them to grow toward their goals. Through my experiences, I’ve learned that no two people are the same; we’re all unique. This background has helped me connect with my clients in meaningful ways, supporting them through their own seasons of life. If I could go back and change careers, I would’ve definitely pursued a path in holistic psychology, neuropsychology, or behavioral sciences.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Know your why and stay rooted in your values. It’s essential to build a team that not only brings incredible talent but also shares your passion and vision. As I continue to grow my business and collaborate with inspiring leaders, staying connected to my why and values has allowed me to attract aligned opportunities, which results in bringing in aligned clients. When you operate from a place of purpose and authenticity, everything starts to flow in the right direction.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/risingwithiris
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risingwithiris/
• Other: Podcast will be released soon on Spotify

Image Credits

Photography by Dayana. IG handle: @daysphotossss