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

Alright, Lauri thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The best investment I ever made was signing up for my first writing conference and pitch session with an agent. Up until that point, I had envisioned what it would feel and be like to have my book in my hand, but I was terrified that I would fail and that my book wouldn’t be good enough. I sat in this space for a few years of the in-between telling people I was a writer, but not pursuing the next step. What shocked me the most was what I found when I stepped into going to that first conference. I quickly connected with my tribe and community, and as I stepped up to do my pitch, I found strength, confidence, and passion there. That moment taught me that failure is a part of life, but that nothing can be accomplished without stepping into the ring and taking a chance on yourself. I have been stepping into the ring ever since.

Lauri, 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 grew up in an abusive home and was diagnosed with Scoliosis where PTSD, anxiety, and panic attacks were a common occurence. As a teenager, music and writing helped me to move through some of those moments in ways that were affective to my well-being. I began writing songs, poetry, and novels to have a space where my voice was safe. In 2017, I created Inner Enlightenment, a business built around connecting to your inner light and the child within through stillness, creativity, play, and self-expression to help kids and teens going through similar experiences at home. We hold creativity workshops, classes and retreats throughout the year.

In 2017, I was asked to speak at a writer’s workshop about Overcoming Fear to Succeed. It was my first time speaking publically about the tools I’ve used to help me have a healthy relationship with my PTSD episodes. After, I was asked by multiple businesses and leaderships if I’d come and share the presentation with their clients and groups. I’m now a frequent guest with multiple writing groups, podcasts, businesses, and platforms talking about Connecting to Your Artist, Embracing Your Fears To Succeed, Learning to Love Yourself After Abuse, and Your Voice is More Than Your Vocal Cords.

In 2019, I wanted to create a platform for others to share their powerful stories like so many gave me the opportunity to do. I created a podcast called The Enlightenment Show that’s had over 250 guests/episodes and we’re not stopping. I learn so much from our guests each week sharing their struggles, truimphs, hearts, stories, and journey’s with us.

I’m an author of thriller novel, Little Owl, which was released in August 2021 and I have multiple short stories and poetry in anthologies. I’m the owner of Twisted Whispers Press where I do ghostwriting, editing, and freelance services to help authors get their work off the ground and help their vision shine.

I love the arts, communication, and connection! Everyone has amazing stories to tell. My favorite part about what I do, is watching people become safe and comfortable with themselves to find their voice and words through music, writing, and speaking!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Growing up, to be loved and seen in my home, you had to be perfect. No mistakes or errors. I began to resent art. I actually quit piano and singing for this very reason, even though I loved it. The biggest thing that I’ve had the opportunity to unlearn is that mistakes are a beautiful part of growth and character. You can’t learn and become better at your craft, until you’re willing to make mistakes because in this space you also learn what you can accomplish, and it’s often very surprising.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2020, I became a homeschooling mom during the pandemic and that shifted where a lot of time went. I traded business/career in for spending more time with my kids learning, creating, exploring, and experimenting. It was so much fun having that opportunity to connect with them again in that capacity. I like to think of it that I got an extra fifteen months to cherish being with them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.laurischoenfeld.com
• Instagram: @laurischoenfeld
• Facebook: @lauri.schoenfeld
• Linkedin: Lauri Schoenfeld
• Twitter: @laurischoenfeld
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoXYpmJbS9q83HwBGSItGiA