Takiyah Whitner

I attribute my success to my mother, my grandmother, my mentors, and the members of my church growing up—Glenwood Presbyterian Church. I’ve also been blessed to have a lot of “sheroes” along the way who saw something in me even when I was still trying to figure it out myself.

A lot of my strength also comes from life experience and my faith. I really carry this quote from Marianne Williamson with me: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure.” That has become a mindset I live by.

The best advice I’ve received is to stay true to your purpose, even when it doesn’t make sense to other people yet. Everything doesn’t have to be fully mapped out for you to start walking in it.

I’ve also learned that consistency matters more than perfection. Just keep showing up, keep learning, and keep growing—even when things are not where you want them to be yet.

I would tell them don’t shrink yourself to make anyone else comfortable. Your voice and your story matter more than you realize.

Also, do your own healing work. You can’t pour into other people from an empty place. Take your time, learn your craft, and don’t rush your growth.

And don’t wait until everything feels perfect to start. Start where you are and grow as you go.

One of the biggest challenges is that so many women need support, healing, and guidance, but access isn’t always there for them. A lot of people are silently carrying heavy things.

Another challenge is making sure people understand that lived experience matters too—not just degrees, but real-life transformation and growth.

At the same time, there are a lot of opportunities. More people are open to coaching, healing, mental health awareness, and personal development than ever before. And with social media and online platforms, we can reach women we never could before.

Faith, honesty, and compassion are big for me. I try to always be real with people and lead with love, even when conversations are hard.

I am also a “moms’ mom” and always a hype woman for other mothers—especially the ones who feel overwhelmed or unseen. Encouragement is a big part of who I am.

In my personal life, I deeply value the relationship I have with my daughters—my “little people.” They are my heart, my grounding force, and a big part of why I do the work I do. Everything I pour into other women; I also want to model for them. I believe in growth, healing, and helping people move from just surviving to actually living.