We were lucky to catch up with Lidya Rivera recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Lidya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Ever wondered how someone like me, who never set foot in a writing class or college, ended up becoming an author, screenwriter, and creator of children’s books? It’s a tale filled with passion, purpose, and the unwavering belief in the power of storytelling.
My journey wasn’t paved with textbooks and lectures; instead, it was fueled by a deep love for stories and a burning desire to share them with the world. From an early age, I devoured books, soaking up every word and dissecting every plot twist. I didn’t realize it then, but those moments were laying the foundation for my future as a writer.
As I grew older, I began to dabble in writing myself, scribbling down ideas and putting together narratives that danced in my imagination. It wasn’t easy – far from it. I faced doubts, setbacks, and countless rejections along the way. But through it all, one thing remained constant: my deep passion for storytelling.
Looking back, I realize there were ways I could have fast-tracked my journey. Connecting with mentors and joining writing communities earlier on would have provided invaluable support and guidance. But even without formal training, I confidently pushed forward toward my dreams and goals, fueled by creativity, resilience, and above all, courage.
The road to becoming an author was not without its obstacles. The biggest challenge? Overcoming my own self-doubt and fear of failure. It’s a hurdle many aspiring writers face – the nagging voice in your head that tells you you’re not good enough, that your stories aren’t worth telling. But I refused to let that voice hold me back. I embraced my unique voice, trusted in my abilities, and silenced the doubters – both internal and external.
Today, as I reflect on my journey, I’m filled with gratitude for every twist and turn along the way. Each rejection, each moment of doubt, served as fuel for my fire, driving me forward and pushing me closer to my dreams. And now, as a Harper Collins author, 55th NAACP Image Award nominee, screenwriter, and creator, I’m honored to share my stories with the world – proof that with God, passion, purpose, and a whole lot of courage, anything is possible!
So, to anyone out there with a story to tell, I say this: Embrace your passion. Trust in your abilities. And above all, believe in the power of your own voice. Because when you do, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Your story deserves to be heard – so go out there and make it happen.
Lidya, 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?
For those who may be unfamiliar with my story, allow me to introduce myself and share a glimpse into the path that led me to where I am today. My name is Lid’ya C. Rivera, a 55th NAACP Image Award nominee, confidence coach, published author, Navy Veteran, filmmaker, and passionate advocate for vitiligo awareness and empowerment. But my journey extends far beyond that – it’s a tale of overcoming adversity, reclaiming self-worth, and using my voice to make a difference in the lives of others.
Growing up with vitiligo was not easy. Like many who bear the weight of this skin condition, I experienced feelings of shame, insecurity, and self-doubt. Society’s narrow standards of beauty left me feeling isolated and invisible, as though my worth was determined solely by my skin. It wasn’t until later in life that I began to embrace my uniqueness and recognize the power in my own story.
My journey into advocacy and empowerment began as a personal quest for healing and self-acceptance. Through years of self-discovery, I found the courage to confront my insecurities head-on and embrace my vitiligo as a symbol of strength rather than shame. Along the way, I discovered a passion for helping others navigate similar struggles and reclaim their confidence and self-worth!
As a confidence coach for young girls and women, I am dedicated to empowering others to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their individuality. Through one-on-one coaching, I provide the tools and support needed to cultivate self-love, resilience, and empowerment. My goal is to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals can embrace their authentic selves and recognize their inherent worth and value.
In addition to my work as a confidence coach, I am also a storyteller, screenwriter, and filmmaker. Through my creative works, I strive to amplify the voices of those who have been marginalized or silenced and shine a light on important social issues, including the stigma surrounding vitiligo. By sharing my own experiences and struggles with vulnerability and authenticity, I hope to inspire others to find strength in their own stories and break free from the constraints of societal expectations.
What sets me apart from others in my field is my unique blend of personal experience, professional expertise, and unwavering passion for advocacy and empowerment. As someone who has walked the path of self-discovery and resilience firsthand, I bring a level of empathy, understanding, and authenticity to my work that resonates deeply with my clients and audience.
I am incredibly proud of how far I’ve come on my journey – from a place of self-doubt and insecurity to one of empowerment and purpose. But more than anything, I am proud to be able to use my voice and my platform to uplift and inspire others to embrace their own uniqueness and reclaim their power! My message is simple yet profound: You are worthy. You are enough. You are beYOUtiful just the way you are!
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is not just a profession – it’s a calling, a passion, and a purpose. Whether you’re struggling with confidence, navigating life with vitiligo, or simply seeking inspiration and empowerment, know that you are not alone. Together, we can rewrite the narrative and create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued for who they are.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My creative journey is deeply rooted in my personal experiences of overcoming adversity. As a child, I faced relentless bullying and mistreatment due to my vitiligo, a condition that left me feeling isolated and insecure. However, instead of allowing these painful experiences to define me, I made a conscious decision to use them as catalysts for growth and empowerment.
Through my writing, storytelling, and advocacy work, I strive to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with vitiligo and other visible differences. My mission is twofold: to raise awareness about the realities of living with a skin condition and to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness with confidence and courage.
By sharing my own journey of resilience and self-discovery, I hope to empower others to find strength in their struggles and to embrace their true selves unapologetically. My ultimate goal is to create a world where individuals are celebrated for their differences rather than judged or discriminated against.
Basically, my creative pursuits aren’t just about telling stories; they’re about using honesty, transparency, and vulnerability to make a real difference. I want to do my part in creating a world where everyone feels accepted and valued, no matter what makes them unique. My goal is to encourage others to take control of their own stories and recognize their worth, despite any obstacles they may face.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most impactful lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that I wasn’t good enough, pretty enough, or worthy of love and acceptance. Growing up, I faced constant doubt and negativity from those around me, which gradually eroded my self-esteem and left me with a deep sense of self-hate.
From a young age, I was surrounded by individuals who questioned my worth and made me feel inadequate. Whether it was peers at school or even societal standards of beauty, I constantly felt like I didn’t measure up. Their words and actions fueled a toxic narrative in my mind, convincing me that I was flawed and unlovable.
As a result, I internalized these harmful beliefs and carried them with me into adulthood. I struggled with feelings of insecurity and unworthiness, which manifested in various aspects of my life. I found it challenging to pursue my passions and dreams because I didn’t believe I was capable of success. I avoided forming meaningful connections with others because I feared rejection and judgment.
It wasn’t until I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing that I began to challenge these damaging beliefs. Through therapy, self-reflection, and surrounding myself with supportive individuals, I gradually learned to let go of the negative perceptions that had held me back for so long.
I realized that the opinions of others did not define my worth, and I had the power to rewrite my own story. I started to embrace my uniqueness and celebrate my strengths, rather than dwelling on my ‘so-called’ flaws. I surrounded myself with positivity and focused on cultivating self-love and acceptance.
Unlearning the lesson of self-doubt and self-hate was a challenging process, but it was also incredibly liberating. It allowed me to step into my authenticity and reclaim my power. Today, I am proud to say that I no longer allow the negative voices of the past to dictate my worth or define my identity. I am enough, just as I am, and I deserve love, respect, and acceptance–we all do!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lidyacrivera.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lidya.c.rivera
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachlidyarivera
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lidyacrivera
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/IlGmxJbHPHs
Image Credits
Photo credit: Pettus Media Productions LLC