Influential Woman · Christian mental health coaching & Entreprenuer
Lydia W. Augustin
Certified Mental Health Coach and Small Business Owner, El Shaddai Clothing & Co.
Lexington, KY 40508
A nonverbal child I worked with learned to drink from a cup independently. His mother's tears of joy reminded me that what seems impossible is, indeed, possible.
Lydia W. Augustin · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Lydia
Lydia W. Augustin is the owner of El Shaddai Apparel and a Certified Mental Health Coach serving the Lexington, Kentucky, community. Since June 2026, she has served as a Certified Mental Coach with the International Board of Christian Care, where she supports individuals in restoration and healing through biblical principles, encouragement, prayer, and Scripture. With five years of experience in the mental health field, Augustin specializes in supporting individuals navigating divorce, domestic violence, and trauma. Her professional journey also includes four years as a Special Education Para educator with Fayette County Public Schools, where she was recognized as the October 2025 Special Education Para educator of the Month. Augustin established El Shaddai Apparel in 2020, building a faith-inspired business that offers clothing and other products designed to encourage meaningful conversations and provide messages of faith and inspiration. Her diverse career background includes more than six years with the United States Postal Service as a Mail Clerk and experience as a Mental Health Associate at Eastern State Hospital. These roles have strengthened her abilities in behavioral support, employee training, priority management, strategic leadership, and management. She has plans to continue pursuing studies in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University while continuing to expand her knowledge and professional credentials in Christian counseling and mental health. Faith, family, perseverance, and service are at the heart of Augustin’s personal and professional life. She maintains presidential membership in the American Association of Christian Counselors and is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, where she received recognition for leadership quality. Her commitment to helping others extends beyond her professional responsibilities, as she volunteers by preparing and distributing food to individuals experiencing homelessness from her own kitchen. Augustin credits her success to Jesus, her children, and her desire to serve those in need. Guided by various examples of biblical principles and the principle of doing all things unto the Lord, she believes in persevering through challenges and consistently showing up for others, even when circumstances are difficult.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lydia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to Jesus, whose guidance and faith have given me strength and purpose throughout my journey. My children are also a constant source of motivation, inspiring me to keep moving forward and strive to be the best version of myself. Most importantly, I am driven by my commitment to my community and the knowledge that there is always someone who needs support, encouragement, or a helping hand.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I have received is, " Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ." Colossians 3:23-24 NLT
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to persevere and endure, especially when the journey becomes difficult. There will be moments when the challenges feel overwhelming, but I believe those moments can be a sign that you are closer to achieving your goals than you realize. Do not give up when things get hard; stay committed, keep pushing forward, and trust that your perseverance can lead you to your winning point. Trust your process by not comparing your worth by someone else's credibility. You are more than enough.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The greatest challenge in mental health is seeing people in crisis while so much of society continues with everyday life. Individuals struggling with mental health are often an overlooked and forgotten population, and I believe one of the most important opportunities in this field is to ensure they are seen, heard, and supported. My goal is to help bring greater awareness to their experiences and advocate for the care and resources they deserve. Small business owners can also face many start up challenges. The best thing to do is to keep planting and watering, even when you have yet to see the harvest of your labor.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in my work and personal life are commitment, reliability, and perseverance. I believe in showing up, even on the days when I may not feel like it, because people are counting on me and expect me to be there. Being dependable and present for others is important to me, and I take pride in following through on my commitments.
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