We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lindsey Coffey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lindsey below.
Lindsey, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
During COVID-19, I was introduced to Miss Earth, an environmentally focused pageant system. The pageant industry was always frowned upon in fashion and I knew nothing about it aside from the stereotypical views. However, the message behind Miss Earth resonated with my spirit, and I felt an overwhelming cosmic “pull” encouraging me to sign up. Despite being dropped by an agency for my participation, and my painful lack of confidence throughout, I went on to win the national title of Miss Earth USA and then competed against 82 countries becoming the first and only American to win the international title of Miss Earth in 2020.
Reflecting on the beginning of my journey, despite my love for this planet, I felt inadequate and under qualified to become a voice for her. I was a model, born in a town no ones heard of, I didn’t have a degree in environmental science, and I had nothing of substance to be taken seriously. This was the first time in my life I realized we are the ones who stand in the way of our own success, that our mind is our greatest obstacle. As I began to give myself grace, I quickly realized my potential in the environmental space due to our rigorous preparation, international interviews, presentations, and the pressure of accountability. My dedication, persistence, and passion for the cause showed that I was capable, I was qualified, and I did have something to offer. Although I risked my job, my reputation, risked embarrassment and criticism, through the challenges, I became the woman I wanted to be.
Now, I can add much more to my resume. I am a WWF ambassador advocating for global conservation, a Remake fellow fighting for fair-wage and climate justice in the fashion industry, a lobbyist on Capitol Hill pushing for legislative reform, an international speaker, a creator, and most recently, the head of Community Engagement and Impact Awareness at EcoBranders, one of the first sustainable branded merchandise distributors in the United States that reduces carbon, rebuilds forests around the world, and supports ocean conservation.
What you can accomplish in life is not defined by your background, your education, or your career. Education takes place inside and outside of the classroom, and your passion, whatever that may be in life, will always be more powerful than your doubt.
Lindsey, 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 Centerville, Pennsylvania where my scenery consisted of all things brown and green. Growing up in a small country town the only thing to do was to be outside. I absolutely loved being outdoors as my appreciation for nature provided me hope, solace, and wonder.
Completely in love with Mother Earth, I nurtured that profound connection and dreamt of exploring all she had to offer. Then in 2012, I began my career in fashion and traveled the world developing a boundless appreciation for the world’s natural wonders and its people. However, while blessed with the opportunity to explore the beauty of this planet, I also witnessed the devastation. In 2018 I experienced the worst water crisis in the history of South Africa. This pivotal experience ignited my passion advocating for environmental protection and climate justice.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal is to reestablish the bond between humans and Mother Earth. The world is driven by greed, power, and ego, distracting humanity from the true essence of life. This need to be “productive” has caused a loss of interaction between humans and nature, consequently limiting our progress. Presently, we see a concerning increase in anxiety, depression, and a decline in our overall mental health. Our bodies, on a cellular level, require connection to the natural world to function at our best. Humans are an integral part of nature and our biology has not evolved as quickly as society. By realizing how interconnected life is, by reestablishing that bond, we will bring love, joy, and health to our planet and spread more light on a world that became lost in the dark.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Reading “The Power of Now,” by Eckhart Tolle, transformed my perspective on life by emphasizing the importance of the present moment. It’s a book I recommend to everyone.
Being fully present allows me to operate at my highest mental state and empowers me to overcome any obstacle. In the state of presence, I am acutely aware of my actions, discerning what serves my well-being and what does not. This book taught me living in the present requires orienting your life around three fundamental principles. If an activity does not evoke excitement, enjoyment, or acceptance, stop what you are doing and reconsider its place in your life.
When I get the chance to offer words of wisdom I describe those three principles.
First up being excitement, which cannot be sustained indefinitely. Therefore, when you encounter a moment or opportunity that sparks excitement, seize it without hesitation.
Secondly, whenever you experience genuine joy, immerse yourself in it and incorporate more of those moments into your life.
The last one, as well as the most challenging, is acceptance. Acceptance means allowing a situation to exist without allowing it to consume your emotions, identity, or life. It requires acknowledging your feelings while simultaneously letting them pass through you as to not become you.
This book changed my life by teaching me that embracing the present moment, and aligning our lives with excitement, enjoyment, and acceptance, leads to a profound sense of fulfillment and peace. I will continue to live by these principles and encourage others to do the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lindsey-coffey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindseymariecoffey/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindseymariecoffey
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseymariecoffey/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/lindseymcoffey
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LindseyMarieCoffey
- Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lindseymariecoffey
Image Credits
Grazia – Photographer: Jes Marie Harper’s Bazaar – Photographer: Sophie Cécile WWF – Photographer: Darren Higgins Levi’s Protest – Photographer: Remake Miss Earth – Photographer: Reza Nation Media Beauties for a Cause Seminar (Day Zero) – Photographer: Reza Nation Media Headshot (gray background) – Photographer: Gonzalo Feo
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