For Women’s History Month I will be sharing the stories that define and provide examples of women empowerment, uplifting stories of personal triumph and businesses that are inspiring and are making a difference for women. Women’s History Month is a declared month each year that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.
I want to introduce you to Shivon Gunalan.
Shivon is an author, and she is the host of “The Living Room” on youtube. She is passionate about empowering women. She strongly believes when a woman embraces herself and finds her “inner voice” she can accomplish anything she wants. She enjoys reading, traveling, and cooking.
Here is HERstory:
I was involved in a toxic relationship where I was gaslighted for 10 years. I was nearly falling into depression, lost my self-worth and confidence. After I left that relationship, I was able to gain my confidence and self-worth after I went back to church. My strong community of friends and my family helped me back on my feet.
Her business is Shivon Gunalan Coaching.
What does women empowerment mean to you?
Women empowerment is when we can come together, celebrate one another and build each other up.
What advice or words of inspiration would you like to share with someone?
A woman should embrace herself and not conform to the standards of the people around her. She should be comfortable in finding her identity and use that to nurture and influence others.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want to raise future leaders who will be non-conformists, and lead from a place of acceptance.
What inspires you?
Learning something new, meeting new people – it excites me.
What kind of impact do you want to have on those around you?
I want them leave changed. I want them to know that they can also overcome challenges in their life.
What does self care mean to you?
Going for a walk, having a coffee at my favourite spot with my book or having a spa treatment.
What obstacles have you overcome or hurdles did you personally face and how did you overcome them?
I lost my confidence as a result of the emotional abuse. I was scared to interact with people. I believe God was the source of my strength. I found encouragement in His word and I knew my identity lies in Him. That liberated me from all wrong thinking.
When did you realize entrepreneurship was right for you?
When I wanted the freedom to do the things I want to do, in a way that I want to do it.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship?
I wanted to step out and try something new.
What would you say is your most driving motivation to keep doing what you to do?
I want to be better than what I was the day before.
What are you most excited or passionate about? (In both business and life or both)
I am passionate about helping people. I want to ensure that people get a chance to improve themselves without having to spend a lot of money.
What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your business and personally?
I want to have more speaking engagements (be a global speaker) and author more books. I want to work with a community where I can help young women who have a traumatic experience.
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them.
My mother was the first person that I look up to. She was strong and independent, she was not afraid to stand up for herself. My mentor was my ex boss, she taught me to be strong, and not be afraid to try new things.
Did you have any life-changing experiences that put you on the path that led you to be doing what you’re doing today? Tell me about them
.I think my journey of finding my way back is what inspired me to help women, and start my youtube channel. I call it the Living Room, because I want women to share from the comfort of their own homes.
What’s next for you in your business/brand? What can readers look forward to from you?
I write books based on biblical characters. I will like to write a story on Mary and the alabaster jar next.
