Coffee with the LIPSTICK Coach: A Conversation About Faith, Balance, and Becoming

I love – and, I mean LOVE – a good cup of coffee. A great way to make a good cup of coffee even better is to enjoy it while chatting with a friend.

I thought, “Why can’t I imagine having a cup of coffee with you, my blog-reading friend?” And that’s what makes the internet so fun – I can do that!

So, brew a cup (or steep some tea), pull up a chair, and let’s chat about some things that have been on my mind lately…

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not coaching?

I love reading, whether it’s a physical book or an audiobook I can listen to on the go. I also really enjoy quiet time – no TV, podcasts, or music – just me, especially when I’m cooking or cleaning. It helps me reset.

I’m also a big fan of red tag shopping… I love finding a good deal!

And, of course, spending time with my family is one of my favorite things to do.

When I just want to unwind, I’ll scroll through Instagram reels. I can watch videos of personal transformations, fashion makeovers, baptisms (yes, it’s a thing!), and random pet clips for way too long. They always make me smile.

Who or what has been one of the biggest influences in your life?

Someone who’s really influenced me is Bishop T.D. Jakes. He’s such a multifaceted leader. His ministry reaches every part of life: spiritual, business, financial, intellectual, and relational. His teachings have helped me grow not just in faith, but in how I show up for myself and others.

I also believe that experiences or seasons of life can be strong influences. Walking through a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and now survivorship has reshaped how I see strength, purpose, and gratitude. It taught me to slow down, listen to what truly matters, and live with more intention.

What have you stopped apologizing for, and how did that change your life?

I’ve stopped apologizing for my approach to creating connections, solving problems, and fostering growth. For a long time, I second-guessed myself, thinking maybe I should do things differently. But I realized that what I have is a gift, a natural talent. Instead of shrinking from it, I’ve learned to hone and mature it so I can make a bigger impact. Once I stopped second-guessing myself, my confidence grew, and I started stepping into situations I might have avoided before. It’s been freeing to just own who I am and how I’m wired to contribute.

What is something you’ve learned about strength that you wish you knew earlier?

I used to think being strong meant holding everything together and pushing through no matter what. But over time, I’ve realized strength can be quiet. It’s being observant, compassionate, humble, vulnerable and even letting go. It’s built through challenges, and, honestly, sometimes through failure. Strength isn’t loud or flashy; it’s often found in the moments when you choose to keep showing up with grace and kindness, even when things are hard. Sometimes, it’s just having a good cry!

What do you turn to when you need encouragement?

Always prayer first – it’s my reset and reminder that I’m not in this alone. I also love to binge-listen to sermons, recorded prayers, and worship music. They feed my soul and help me realign my thoughts and energy when life feels heavy or uncertain.

What belief about “balance” have you unlearned, and what replaced it?

I’ve unlearned the idea that balance is something to achieve or check off a list. I’ve come to see that balance isn’t an accomplishment — it’s something that happens when I align God’s purpose for me in this season. When I’m clear on where He wants me to focus my time, energy, and resources, that’s when I find real balance. It still takes work, but I’m not overextended because His direction aligns my capacity with His will.

When life feels loud or stressful, what’s a small practice that helps you recenter?

I stop and find a few minutes of alone time – even just five to ten minutes helps. No phone, no emails, no Zoom chats or text messages, and definitely no background noise. I take a deep breath in, exhale, and simply say, “God, I need You.” I repeat that until I can literally feel the stress start to ease. It’s a small practice, but it always recenters me and reminds me I don’t have to carry everything on my own.

If you could go back and give advice to your 20-year-old self, what would you say?

I’d tell her, “It’s going to work out.” You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. The twists and turns, the things that feel uncertain — they’re all part of the process. Trust that every step, even the hard ones, are leading you somewhere good. Breathe, keep going, and know that everything really will come together.

What’s a lesson you’re still learning yourself?

That “no” is a complete sentence. I’m still working on this one every day. It’s so easy to feel like I owe people an explanation or need to soften my “no” to avoid disappointing someone. But I’m learning that saying no – without guilt or justification – is actually a form of self-respect. It creates space for the things that really matter and keeps my energy focused on what feels right for me.

What’s one belief you wish women would let go of?

That we must do and be it all. This belief pressures women to excel simultaneously in every area – career, family, relationships, health, appearance, and personal growth – often at the cost of their own well-being. It feeds burnout and comparison, making “balance” feel like another impossible standard.

Letting go of the idea that we have to do everything perfectly opens space for grace, collaboration, and authenticity. We don’t have to be everything to everyone – just true to ourselves.

What’s something your clients might be surprised to learn about you?

I have a pretty good sense of humor! Most people see the focused, professional side of me when we’re working together, but I love to laugh and find joy in the little things. I believe humor has a way of breaking tension, creating connection, and reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously all the time.

I’d love to have a real-life chat with you! If you connected with anything I shared above and want to dive deeper, click here to schedule a call.

Be well,

The LIPSTICK Coach