We recently connected with Syrenthia Colino and have shared our conversation below.

Syrenthia , appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mission is deeply rooted in her personal journey as a caregiver and a mother. Faced with the challenging diagnosis of her son Stephen’s autism at the tender age of 19, I embarked on a relentless quest to provide the best care and support for him. Two decades of navigating the complex landscape of doctors, clinics, and treatment centers took a toll on her emotional well-being. At a critical juncture, she found herself emotionally exhausted and sought refuge in the unwavering support of friends and family.

This turning point marked the beginning of my commitment to self-care, a deliberate and ongoing process that not only revitalized her own life but also paved the way for the creation of iCare4MeFirst and POCWASN. As the founder and CEO of these organizations, she channels her experiences into providing services and resources to caregivers who, like herself, often neglect their own well-being while caring for others.

My mission behind ICareForMeFirst is to empower caregivers to prioritize their own self-care without guilt or hesitation. Through speaking engagements and coaching sessions, she shares her insights and strategies, guiding others on the path to rejuvenation and self-discovery. Syrenthia’s advocacy extends beyond personal narratives; it’s a call to action for caregivers to recognize the importance of maintaining their own mental and emotional health.

Syrenthia , 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?

My foray into her industry was born out of a deeply personal journey as a caregiver and mother. Faced with her son Stephen’s autism diagnosis at a young age, she became a fervent advocate, navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Her transition from caregiver to the founder and CEO of iCare4MeFirst and POCWASN reflects a profound commitment to addressing the often overlooked aspect of caregiver well-being.

The products and services provided by my organizations are centered around self-care for caregivers. iCare4MeFirst and POCWASN offer a range of resources, support networks, and coaching services aimed at empowering caregivers to prioritize their own mental and emotional health. The problems they solve are inherent in the challenges faced by caregivers—burnout, emotional exhaustion, and the need for sustained support.

What sets me apart is her lived experience and the authenticity with which she shares her journey. Her personal struggle and subsequent commitment to self-care make her a relatable and inspirational figure in the caregiving community. I takes pride in her organizations not only as a service provider but as a beacon of hope for caregivers, emphasizing that self-care is not selfish but a necessary foundation for effective caregiving.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to understand that her brand is built on empathy, understanding, and the transformative power of self-care. She encourages caregivers to embrace self-care without guilt, fostering a community that recognizes the importance of personal well-being in the larger context of caregiving. Ultimately, my work is a testament to resilience, and she invites others to join her in prioritizing self-care as an integral part of the caregiving journey.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In the ever-evolving landscape of my journey as a caregiver and advocate, a pivotal moment compelled me to embark on a new direction. It was a realization that not all parents, facing the challenges of caregiving, were able to fully partake in the services offered by POCWASN. This recognition became the catalyst for a significant pivot in my path, leading to the creation of iCare4MeFirst.

As the founder and CEO of POCWASN, my initial focus was on providing comprehensive services and resources to caregivers in need. However, a profound understanding emerged that the spectrum of caregiver experiences was vast and varied. Some parents faced barriers that prevented them from fully engaging in the support network offered by POCWASN. This insight sparked a determination to address this gap and ensure that every caregiver, regardless of their circumstances, could access the essential self-care resources they deserved.

In response to this realization, iCare4MeFirst was born—a platform specifically designed to cater to the diverse needs of caregivers who may face limitations in participating in traditional support systems. This pivot allowed me to broaden the scope of my advocacy, reaching a wider audience and ensuring that no caregiver felt left behind in their journey towards self-care.

The journey of creating iCare4MeFirst stands as a testament to the adaptability required in the realm of caregiving and advocacy. It reflects a commitment to inclusivity and a recognition that the path to self-care must be accessible to all. This pivot not only expanded the reach of my work but also deepened my understanding of the nuanced challenges faced by caregivers. It is a story of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every caregiver receives the support they need to prioritize their own well-being.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my social media audience, particularly on Instagram, was a journey rooted in authenticity and genuine connection. I recognized the power of sharing my personal story as a caregiver and founder, and it became the cornerstone of my approach to social media.

From the outset, I prioritized transparency and openness. I shared the highs and lows of my caregiving journey, the challenges I faced, and the transformative power of self-care. This vulnerability resonated with others who found solace and inspiration in knowing they weren’t alone in their experiences. Authenticity became the key to forging meaningful connections with my audience.

Consistency played a crucial role in building trust and engagement. Regularly posting content that reflected my values, mission, and the daily realities of caregiving helped create a sense of community. I actively participated in conversations within my niche, responding to comments, and engaging with followers, fostering a supportive and interactive online environment.

Strategic use of hashtags relevant to caregiving, self-care, and related topics expanded the discoverability of my content. Collaborations with influencers, organizations, and individuals in the caregiving space also helped amplify my message and reach a broader audience.

My advice for those starting to build a social media presence is to prioritize authenticity. Share your story, values, and mission genuinely. Consistency is key, so establish a posting schedule that aligns with your audience’s habits. Engage with your followers by responding to comments, asking questions, and participating in conversations. Utilize relevant hashtags to increase visibility, and consider collaborations to expand your reach.

Above all, remember that building a genuine and engaged audience takes time. Stay true to your authentic self, be patient, and focus on creating content that resonates with your audience’s needs and aspirations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pocwasn.org/

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