Her Side of the Story

My name is Anar Massani. As a devoted single mother and a compassionate registered nurse, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges, particularly the shadows of abuse that once clouded my life. Feeling lost and overwhelmed, I knew I had to embark on a transformative journey to reclaim my agency and rewrite my narrative.
Through unconventional thinking and unwavering determination, I became a catalyst for innovation and resilience. Emerging from the depths of defeat, I found myself not only victorious but also inspired with a newfound sense of purpose and empowerment.
Today, I’m driven by a fervent desire to share my story with others, to offer guidance, and to ignite a spark of hope in the hearts of those who may be facing similar struggles. My journey has taught me the power of resilience and the importance of never giving up on oneself. And now, I stand as living proof that with courage and determination, we can overcome even the darkest of shadows.

Growing up, I faced molestation, abuse, amongst numerous challenges that seemed insurmountable. Life threw obstacles my way, and I often felt trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and limiting beliefs. But deep down, a spark of rebellion flickered—a desire to break free from the narratives that held me back.
One day, I made a pivotal decision: to embrace my inner rebel and redefine my life. I released the old stories that kept me stuck, rebuilt my personal power, and rebranded myself with an unapologetic voice. This transformation was not easy, but it was necessary.
Through resilience and courage, I discovered the strength to ROAR. I learned to harness my unique voice and share my story with authenticity, inspiring others to do the same. My journey taught me that true empowerment comes from within and that each of us has the power to challenge the silence and ignite our own revolution.
Today, I’m on a mission to help others awaken their inner rebels, to empower them to break free from constraints and embrace their boldest selves. If I can transform my life, so can you. Together, let’s start the revolution that redefines our lives.
– Lady V Tivona Elliott

In 2017 a gentleman asked a question during a job interview; “what are you passionate about?”. I couldn’t answer the question, which was odd because I’m a passionate, lively person. This question led my back to school and at 52 years old I went back to school for an interior design degree. Along the way, through course work I found my “thang”…painting. After a lifetime of feeling hidden, unseen and lacking, professional purpose and child-like joy bubbled out and I found my thing and true north.
I am a self-taught painter and paint abstract florals as flowers have a sensory impact on me. My grandmother grew the most beautiful roses you ever saw. When I was a child living in Connecticut and my grandmother lived in California, she would send a box of her roses to my mom across the country packed in wet paper towels. Emotionally, I’m connected to flowers, visually I’m connected as color is my thing. And don’t get me started on the way they smell…..heavenly!
Over 5 years later, I’m now in galleries, been awarded 30 international awards, shown in Paris, NYC, Washington DC, been published in numerous publications and books and have been awarded two overseas artist residencies. I show in art shows and galleries and the most often asked question or comment besides a comment on my work is….”I wish I could find my thing.” This question comes from women of all ages, but mostly from 45+ which led me to start asking questions about my own journey. Had I listened to my inner child who was an artist as an adult I would have been painting a long time ago!
I believe anyone wanting to find their “thang”, whether it be someone just starting out or someone with many trips around the sun, you can “remember” your thing by going back to your childhood.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
LOVE TO ALL OF YOU!

My journey with anxiety has been one of isolation and overwhelming fear. As a woman of God, a wife, and a mother, I tried to push through my anxiety and did my best to control it…without any real tools, strategies, etc. Over time, anxiety was dominating my thoughts daily and it was robbing me of my joy, my marriage…and consuming my life! I knew this was not the life God wanted for me and my turning point was asking for help and support. By digging deeper to the root of my anxiety, I learned to reframe my thinking, face my fears head on to combat it. This doesn’t mean my anxiety has disappeared, but I know what to do as soon as the waves of worry comes over me. Don’t suffer in silence, but instead reach out for support and take the steps toward living a life full of peace and joy.
– Dana Tejeda

Before I was born God decided that my life would be a testimony to others. My life’s journey thus far has allowed me to experience what I like to call storms. My biggest storms seem to always involve my health. I’ve had my share of health crisis dating back to my birth. I was born at six months premature, I battled with childhood asthma, I got pneumonia in the fifth grade which led to developing fluid around my heart, I had open heart surgery nine months after having my second child in 2011 and now I am navigating the journey of kidney failure. I have what is called (ESRD)End Stage Renal Disease) due to polycystic kidney disease. This disease was passed down to me from my father’s side of the family. My disease became aggressive in 2018 because of my uncontrollable high blood pressure. You may hear all of this and say”Wow she’s dealt with a lot” yet when I look at it all it tells me that I was born to be a fighter. I am physically fighting my disease with dialysis daily accompanied by pure mercy and grace from god. Dealing with all of these ailments and issues has given me the confidence to know that everything happening to me has a higher purpose. You see one person may have only dealt with one health crisis and it was enough to end their physical journey on earth. So for me to endure and overcome multiple health challenges god was shouting loudly that he needed to use me and all of my experiences. That’s why, I am allowing this journey to mold me and shape me to live with purpose. I have discovered my purpose throughout all of the chaos and disruption. I created a new career and path as a Life Purpose Coach and Motivational Speaker. I was able to birth my own company in May of 2023 called “Crown Of Life”. My life purpose and mission with my company is to let other people know that there is a voice and purpose behind their challenges. I am someone’s daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter, mother, cousin, and best friend. Above all of these roles, I feel the most reward in being a vessel to help others in life. I am unapologetically the “Me” that is able to stand confidently in who God has called me to be. I did not allow my circumstances to defeat me. I instead allowed it to define me into the best version of myself. My journey is still being written relying on one of my favorite scripture Psalms 46:5. “God is within her, she will not fall “. I am destined to survive and inspire because god is within me and I shall not fall.