Hello, gorgeous! With International Women’s Day just around the corner, this week we’re embracing empowerment more than ever. At The Better Normal, we strongly believe in the value and strength of women. Along our journey, we’ve come across some incredibly inspiring figures that we know will motivate you as well.
We understand the power of hearing stories and knowing that we’re not alone in this journey. Empowered women empower women. That’s why today, we’re sharing 6 life stories that inspire us, so you can kick off this Women’s Week feeling empowered and knowing just how valuable you truly are!
1. Jennifer Navara
Jennifer Navara’s journey to becoming a holistic wellness coach began with her own personal battles with chronic illness. After years of debilitating symptoms, including extreme fatigue and overwhelming health issues, Jennifer faced a life-changing moment when she was confronted with an ovarian cyst. While conventional medicine suggested surgery, she instinctively knew there had to be another way. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her journey toward holistic healing.
Through her healing process, Jennifer discovered the transformative power of holistic practices. She embraced a lifestyle that supported her body’s natural healing process, focusing on mindfulness, energy healing, and nutrition. As she healed, she realized her passion for helping other women reclaim their health, particularly those over 40. Now, Jennifer uses her experience to guide women who are struggling with chronic health issues, helping them find their own path to healing and vitality. By combining her background in holistic healing with her deep empathy for others, Jennifer provides women with the tools, support, and inspiration they need to take control of their health and wellness.
You can read the interview we conducted with Jennifer Navara for The Better Normal here.
2. Noami Grevemberg
Noami Grevemberg’s journey is one of freedom, resilience, and intentional living. After leaving her traditional 9-to-5 job, Noami took a bold step toward a life of adventure and simplicity. She sold her belongings and set out on the road with her husband and German Shepherd in a 1985 VW Vanagon. What began as a one-year trip turned into a full-time lifestyle, and through her experiences, Noami became an expert in vanlife and sustainability. As the founder of the Diversify Vanlife movement and author of Living The Vanlife, she has become a passionate advocate for underrepresented voices in the vanlife community, showing that everyone deserves a place in this growing lifestyle.
Through her work, Noami emphasizes the importance of living intentionally, embracing the journey of self-discovery, and creating a life aligned with personal values. Her story is a testament to the power of challenging the status quo and redefining success. Noami’s approach to vanlife is about more than just traveling—it’s about building a life that is meaningful, sustainable, and inclusive. Through her platform, she inspires others to embrace their authentic selves, find joy in simplicity, and create their own path, regardless of societal expectations.
Check out our exclusive interview with Noami Grevemberg here.
3. Ashleigh Arnaud
Ashleigh Arnaud‘s journey is one of resilience, empowerment, and embracing her true self. With over a decade of experience in the digital and affiliate marketing space, Ashleigh has navigated a dynamic career, from social media management to leadership roles. Her commitment to authenticity and growth has not only fueled her professional success but also driven her to empower others, especially women, in their personal and professional journeys. As Vice President at IntegriShield, Ashleigh leads with passion, creating a space where women can thrive, share resources, and make their mark. Through her work with LinkUnite, she has fostered a network of support and collaboration, helping other women break barriers and achieve their fullest potential.
Her story is deeply rooted in the lessons she’s learned through life’s challenges. From overcoming personal struggles to transitioning careers, Ashleigh has learned the importance of resilience, mentorship, and community. As a member of the LGBT community, Ashleigh’s journey of self-discovery has profoundly shaped her approach to authenticity and empowerment. Through mentorship, leadership, and community-building, she inspires others to stay true to themselves and navigate their own paths with confidence. Ashleigh’s dedication to uplifting women in her community is a testament to her belief in collective empowerment and the power of solidarity. Her work is a powerful reminder that when women support one another, we can build stronger, more inclusive communities that foster success and drive progress.
Discover insights from our conversation with Ashleigh Aranud by clicking here.
4. Ashley Deland
Ashley Deland is a powerhouse in the business world, having ascended to the role of Director of Marketing for multiple billion-dollar companies by the age of 24. With over a decade of experience in marketing, branding, and business development, Ashley has helped businesses achieve remarkable growth, generating over $25 million in revenue. As the Founder & CEO of Maison De Land, a creative design house focused on branding and storytelling, Ashley is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs to build legacies through intentional marketing strategies. Her influence extends far beyond just business success—Ashley is a passionate advocate for women’s growth, using her expertise to guide them to create impactful, profitable ventures that reflect their unique visions.
Beyond her business acumen, Ashley’s personal journey is equally inspiring. Raised by a resilient single mother, she learned the importance of strength, perseverance, and self-belief at an early age. As a mother herself, Ashley continues to balance her thriving career with her role as a parent, demonstrating that success is about more than financial achievements—it’s about finding purpose and creating meaningful connections. Through her work and advocacy, Ashley has become a beacon for women who aspire to lead with authenticity, embrace challenges, and redefine what it means to succeed on their own terms.
Explore the engaging dialogue we shared with Ashley Deland on The Better Normal at this link.
5. Jackie Botelho
Jackie Botelho’s journey exemplifies the power of taking risks and following one’s passion. With no prior experience in hospitality, she became the Head Concierge at a San Diego hotel, turning its TripAdvisor ranking from #11 to #3 in just four months. From there, Jackie took a bold step and founded ABCVIP in 2018, organizing over 200 events and carving a niche in the competitive world of event planning. Her most recent venture, Botelho, offers luxury concierge services in New York City, delivering tailored experiences for prestigious clients. Jackie’s resilience and dedication continue to inspire countless women to trust in their dreams and break through barriers to create the lives they envision.
Jackie’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and believing in yourself. Her ability to navigate challenges—whether in starting a business from scratch or pivoting during a global pandemic—demonstrates her unwavering commitment to success. By turning adversity into opportunity, Jackie’s journey encourages us all to step out of our comfort zones, embrace the unknown, and keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles. Her leadership style is rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and a commitment to helping others succeed, making her a true example of the empowerment she advocates for.
Read what Jackie Botlho had to say in her recent interview for The Better Normal here.
6. Emily Jane Neilson
Emily Neilson‘s journey is a beautiful testament to embracing personal growth and living with purpose. From her beginnings as a corporate accountant, Emily found herself yearning for more than just financial success. After the sudden loss of her mother, she experienced a life-altering wake-up call that led her to redefine what it means to truly live. Now, as a coach and mentor, Emily helps women turn their purpose into prosperity, guiding them to build businesses that are not only financially abundant but deeply aligned with their values. Through her holistic approach, blending practical business strategies with mindset work and energy alignment, Emily empowers women to create lives that light them up.
Emily’s personal story is a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving goals—it’s about the journey toward personal mastery and fulfillment. Her mission is clear: to help women step into their unique brilliance and build legacies they’re proud of. With her background in both business strategy and personal development, Emily equips her clients with the tools and support needed to create aligned success. Her work encourages women to embrace their true selves, take bold steps toward their dreams, and live a life full of freedom, purpose, and abundance.
You can read the interview we conducted with Emily for The Better Normal here.
