Note: The Inspired Woman Series features a snippet from the Legacy Letter of a contributor along with information about her and what she does.

ANNAMARIA POLUHA
Wellness Coach

“From time to time, there are detours in life, and you might think you are wasting your time. You will learn that nothing is a waste. Detours will be your biggest opportunities to grow, and they will provide the greatest tools and insights to you.

You may often feel judged and misunderstood. You may also feel that people are here to hurt you – know that each and every person you meet throughout your life has a specific role. Listen to them, hear their pain, and resolve it if you can but then move on. You so desperately want to help, but sometimes you simply need to let go.”

BIO:

Annamaria Poluha embarked on a journey to make a difference in the field of self-esteem, nutrition, and fitness after her revelation of its tremendous effect on her own life. After a long battle with the aftermath of anorexia, bulimia and excessive exercise disorder, she found the missing threads – the power of nutrition, the philosophy behind blood sugar stabilization and the influence of positive psychology. She has gained complete freedom from the obsession that food caused in her life by applying a sound and effective nutritional wellness program combined with positive psychology, mindful eating and life coaching. Annamaria believes there are four essential components of ultimate wellness: your physical body; your emotional state; the environment you live in; how you think about food and your relationship to food.  This foundation guides her work with clients, so that they are able to understand how to optimize their physical health as well as how to shift their behavior and mindset ultimately leading to a change of life style. Annamaria has taught corporate workshops and women’s retreats, written for AOLHealth.com, and appeared as health expert on numerous radio programs. She was featured in Fitness Magazine for her victorious battle with bulimia and develops winning strategies in life balance, self-esteem and effectiveness. Annamaria is a master certified nutritionist (IBNFC), certified life coach (CPCC), certified personal trainer (NASM), and a published writer.

To purchase an advance copy of the Legacy Letters, click here.

Note: The Inspired Woman Series features a snippet from the Legacy Letter of a contributor along with information about her and what she does.

CARI KAUFMAN
Christian Life Coach + Speaker

“We’ve been uniquely gifted as a multi-faceted communicator.  Words will be your tool to inspire, persuade, and touch the lives of people all over the world.  God will gift you and equip you, but there is a battle ahead of you.

Whatever message you choose to bring, understand this: there is a difference between living your message and being the message.  To live your message is to fully embrace it. It is to understand your calling and to understand what you are calling others to and to assimilate and incorporate it into your life. Living your message leaves room for error, for mistakes and for failure.  When you live your message, a failure doesn’t invalidate the message- it simply makes it human.

We have spent a good deal of our life trying to be the message, and, let me tell you, no human being is capable of that. Being the message allows the inevitable mistake to invalidate it. It allows the experience of rejection to cripple and wound it, and it opens the door for a lot of heartache and bitterness.

As a messenger, you are simply responsible for wrapping the package and delivering the gift. It is not your responsibility to make sure it is received or opened.  When someone rejects your message, they are not rejecting you.

Cari, you are a beautiful and strong young woman and you will grow to be an amazing mother, wife and friend. Whatever path you choose, relish the journey- both good and bad times. Learn from your experiences and approach each day as a gift to be opened. There is love and blessing in absolutely every ounce of life you experience. Embrace it all.”

BIO:

Cari Kaufman graduated from the University of Arkansas and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army and spent four years serving her country in one of the most highly deployed units in the American military.  In 1999, she was awarded the prestigious Soldier’s Medal for Heroism, after rescuing a young girl from a gang rape and single handedly dispatching several attackers. After leaving the military, Cari became the factory manager in a plastics manufacturing facility. After the birth of her first child, Cari put her time management and leadership skills to the test as a stay-at-home mother of two children. In May 2007, Cari left her position as a case manager with an eldercare agency to start her own successful coaching business, GPS 4life.net. Cari’s relationship with God is one forged through trial and lots (and lots) of error. Her testimony is a shining example of God’s infinite patience and His loving acceptance. To call her a prodigal would be putting it lightly. Cari gave her life to Christ on September 19, 2002 after 10 years of practicing the occult. In July 2009, Cari surrendered her life and business to God’s call to full time women’s ministry. She is dedicated to using her ability to bring groups and teams together to common ground to build up women’s ministry groups across the country. It is from this calling that Strings Attached Ministries were born. Cari lives with her fabulous husband, Charlie in the heart of Northwest Arkansas and they have two amazing children, Alexander and Elizabeth. To learn more about Cari, Strings Attached, or to book her to speak to your group, contact her at stringsattachedministries (at) gmail.com.

To purchase an advance copy of the Legacy Letters, click here.

Note: The Inspired Woman Series features a snippet from the Legacy Letter of a contributor along with information about her and what she does.

KHIA THOMAS
Professor + Founder, Your Grad School Coach

“What you will come to know over time is that being loveable isn’t situational. It doesn’t exist or cease to exist based on being romantically involved with someone in your life. Love doesn’t just exist in a shared moment of passion, but it also resides in everyday experiences with yourself like walking down the aisle in the grocery store.

All of those trophies and certificates you have been given are great for show. They make your parents feel proud. They look great on display on the mantelpiece. These tokens do not even come close to affirming the whole of you. Neither will a man or some magic weight on the scale that you could reach if only you were to portion control and exercise yourself down to half your size. Bending over backwards to get people to like you and recognize you and love you won’t work either.

You will find out that you are loveable when you’re fat or when you’re skinny, when you’re at your worst or your best, when you’re feeling down or on top of the world. It is a big fat lie that love is a condition of whether you are or you aren’t [fill in the blank for whatever imaginary clause you attach to being loved]. As long as you’re living and breathing, you’re capable and worthy of experiencing love.”

BIO:

Khia A. Thomas is an assistant professor of psychology at Broward College and a graduate school admissions coach. At Your Grad School Coach, her mission is to provides one-on-one guidance that helps you get into to grad school and get on with your life. If your brilliance belongs in grad school, then it’s high time to reach out to a coach who has been there, done that, triumphed, and can help you start off your career on superstar status.

To purchase an advance copy of the Legacy Letters, click here.

Note: The Inspired Woman Series features a snippet from the Legacy Letter of a contributor along with information about her and what she does.

TATIANA JEROME
Entrepreneur, Pink Cherie + The Social Cities

Tatiana Jerome - Entrepreneur

From Tatiana’s pen…

“You will find that what you leave behind is more important than what you came with. Act with good intentions. Know that your first instinct is one that arises from love and protection, so acknowledge it.  Rise above reckless chatter. You will never be satisfied with simplistic surface pleasures. You force yourself to enjoy the temporary when you know that your very existence feeds off of meaning. You move in a direction in which you believe there is more for your mind. You are a Queen that has already brought attention to yourself. Do not back away from it. Stay in tune with your foundation. As time goes by and life may not seem to be what you expected, do not be disappointed as it is only up to you to change what you choose to see. You love a challenge so sticking to your life’s desires will be your biggest one. So many distractions will come your way, and you will entertain them. I’m telling you now to commit yourself to you. You were not brought up to entertain or play “the game” of life. You exist because you have a passionate Father who knows that you are destined to be an influencer. Don’t worry about time; just keep moving, exploring and rebelling from injustice. Conforming to the norm has no meaning or place within you. You’re still young; do not ever give up on yourself.”

BIO:

Today you can find Tatiana juggling and operating several businesses that cater to a woman’s wants. Whether you are a fan of Pink Cherie, get fashion advice from P. Series Stylists, or interested in personal growth with the I’m Faith Fitted organization, Tatiana takes the time to cater to each audience and brings excellence in every aspect of her businesses. She graduated from Florida A & M University with a Bachelors in Science in Public Relations. Upon graduation, Tatiana went right to work in starting her first business, Pink Cherie. Pink Cherie caters to the woman who knew herself. As discriminating as Tatiana was to fashion, she understand other women were as well and continued to pursue her love. While growing Pink Cherie, she started P. Series Stylist which assist women in establishing trademark looks. Later on came I’m Faith Fitted, which provides support to others who are in need of a support system in going after their dreams. Visit Tatiana online at www.pinkcherie.com and www.thesocialcities.com

To purchase an advance copy of the Legacy Letters, click here.

Note: The Inspired Woman Series features a snippet from the Legacy Letter of a contributor along with information about her and what she does.

ALDEANA FRAZELL
Publisher + Editor, Soluv Magazine

From Aldeana’s pen…

BIO:

Poised with an impressive resume, Aldeana’s work experience includes working as an Internet Project Manager for Reed Communications & McGraw Hill Publishing. She has a BBA in Business from Georgia State University and an Associated Degree in Graphic Design from the UCLA Extension program. In February 2005, Aldeana set out to find a position that would allow her to utilize both her business and design skills in a way that was fulfilling to her while also making a positive difference in the world. This intention led her to accept a design position at a California spiritual center called Agape. At this institution, her position exposed her to new ideas on honoring the soul in one self and others.  At Agape she was in arms distance to leaders such as Iyanla Vanzant, Marianne Williamson, and Debbie Ford. It was seeing these women leaving an empowering mark in the world that motivated her to continue to search for a purposeful path for her life. In addition to working for a spiritual center, Aldeana  also spent over 8 years volunteering as a self-defense assistant with Impact Personal Safety in Los Angeles, California. Through teaching others to protect themselves, she learned the value of taking a serious interest in how you love yourself mind, body, and soul.

To purchase an advance copy of the Legacy Letters, click here.

Note: The Inspired Woman Series features a snippet from the Legacy Letter of a contributor along with information about her and what she does.

JESS BERGER
Life Coach for Teen Girls

From Jess’ pen…

BIO:

Jessica Rae Berger is a certified Teen Wisdom™ Coach and certified Professional Career Coach based in Los Angeles. After graduating Cum Laude from NYU, Jess traveled from South America to Southeast Asia to absorb knowledge and insight into the world and its many cultures. After settling in LA, Jess felt in her heart it was time to start giving back to the community in a significant way. Life coaching for teens became her path towards that goal, as she is deeply committed to empowering teens to truly value themselves as insightful, powerful and confident young people. Jess is currently pursuing a Masters in Counseling Psychology, and continues to affect lasting, positive change on the lives of teens and their families.

To purchase an advance copy of the Legacy Letters, click here.

Note: The Inspired Woman Series features a snippet from the Legacy Letter of a contributor along with information about her and what she does.

SHARON LECTHER
Author + Entrepreneur

From Sharon’s pen…

Sharon Lechter – Entrepreneur + Author + Finance Expert

“As you welcome each day, do so with eager anticipation.  Laugh more, smile more and don’t take yourself too seriously.  There will be those days that seem like eternities, and others that pass with the blink of an eye.  Your future will be created by the decisions you make along the way.  Take ownership of those decisions.

Along life’s path we all tend to create limitations for ourselves, often without even realizing it.  Endeavor to watch your own vocabulary when speaking to others but also, and even more importantly, when talking to yourself.  Commit to never say “if only I”, “I can’t” or “I’ll try.”  Instead say “when I”, “I can” or “I will” and your life will be fulfilled in ways beyond your imagination.”

BIO:

A life-long education advocate, Sharon Lechter is the founder of Pay Your Family First, a
financial education organization, and YOUTHpreneur, an innovative new way to spark the
entrepreneurial spirit in our children. In 2008 Sharon was appointed to the first President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy. Selectively appointed by President Bush, the Council continued to serve President Obama and advise him on the need for financial literacy education. In addition, Sharon
serves as a national spokesperson for the National CPAs Commission on Financial
Literacy. Sharon is an entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, educator, international speaker, licensed
CPA and mother. She has been a pioneer in developing new technologies to bring education
into children’s lives in ways that are innovative, challenging and fun, and remains
committed to education – particularly financial literacy. For the last three years, in cooperation with the Women’s Presidents Organization, Sharon has held an event across the country to teach young girls financial lessons through interactive games. http://www.slechter.com/

To purchase an advance copy of the Legacy Letters, click here.