She Stories Feature Friday - Samantha Tradelius

NOV 2022 | ISSUE NO. 03

SHE STORIES

EXCLUSIVE!

About She Stories She Stories is a community of women that promotes self wellness, empowerment and the value of supporting each other. You have overcome tremendous obstacles.

Telling your story brings healing for you and others.

There is empowerment in every story. We are Real Women with Real Stories. What started out as a storytelling night has transformed into a sisterhood.

From gatherings to giving back, we inspire and affirm the every day woman that she is brave and beautiful..

Our Founder In 2017, I decided to carry on the tradition of testimony service and share this amazing gift of storytelling from my elders to my tribe. I provided a sacred space for women to share their challenges and victories so they can not only be empowered but through each story women would find a circle of support and empowerment. Her story matters and the world needs to hear it. Ehmandah Ramsey

She Stories has always been about women sharing their stories through storytelling. (Yeah, that’s me with a box of tissue) We believe there’s healing that happens when we share our stories. We all have one!

By sharing our stories, we prove that it’s possible to shift change through another woman’s journey, struggles, and triumphs.

Elevating women of all ages is powerful. Compassion and love speaks volumes. And when they’re combined among a community of bosses, we ALL thrive!

XO,

Leilani

In this issue

FEATURE FRIDAY When I tell you this week’s feature is nothing short of amazing, that’s an understatement!

And when I asked her ”Who is Samantha?”

Her response was “A maniac.”

Definitely a maniacal unicorn, if there ever was one. She has her hands in so much, from raising daughters to organizing backpacks for the children in her community to hosting her podcast, InspiHER’d, a place for “grown up girl talk”.

FEATURE FRIDAY

SAMANTHA TRADELIUS It’s said to be true that queens reside amongst other queens. So it’s always great when a feature recommends another feature. We kick November’s features off with Samantha, a self-proclaimed maniac, but in a good way, of course. After working in the insurance field for over 20 years, and then launching her own non-profit, Sparkle Foundation Inc., back in 2006, she’s been able to successfully juggle in being a wife and mother, as well as a successful co-host to her podcast, InspiHER’d. This woman does EVERYTHING! It’s almost as if she was wired that way. She was raised around strong women and shared with me the unique relationship she had with her grandmother, GG. She described GG as being a newly single mother to 3 babies in the 50’s. The skills she grew up learning were the result of this 100 lb. lil lady who raised her kids and loved dropping an f-bomb here and there.

Samantha is a fire cracker, but the greatest part about her is that loves to ignite sparks in others. She believes in setting others up for success, starting with her own daughters.

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"My legacy is obviously teaching my girls to be like those bad ass women."

Samantha contributes her success to the many women who poured strength, confidence, and empowerment into her.

So in 2003, she started gifting single moms through a holiday gift drive. One year, after raising over $35,000, she was able to round up her team of volunteers to wrap gifts and deliver to 17 families. She recalled volunteers sitting in bath tubs wrapping gifts for others.

She knew she had to make a choice and that this opportunity was “bigger than her living room."

The fullness that comes from serving a community of women in need is only made better when you have a circle of women to help you. Samantha also knows the impact she makes on women and children will be her legacy.

Years later, thousands of lives are being influenced by what she does within her community, from backpack drives for kids at the beginning of the school year to her holiday gift drives. She works to bridge gaps among law enforcement, underprivileged youth, and the local school districts.

We applaud the hard work Samantha does and we stand in support of her efforts to empower and encourage others.

She Stories x Samantha!

SAMANTHA:

YOU ARE THE CHOOSER OF THE WAY YOU WANT TO LIVE YOUR LIFE. You can and you WILL have it all, but you‘re the one who has to make it happen.

Her Shine

We're all about women supporting women.

Join Samantha in empowering and supporting the community with the Sparkle's Holiday Gift Drive.

For more info and to donate: samanthatradelius.com Looking to expand your small business? Check out sparklebiz.org

If you or someone you know would like to be Feature, let us know!

A NOTE TO SINGLE MOMS:

Hey you…

It’s me again! Your inner cheerleader, here to send you some xtra special encouragement. Remember, you wear so many hats for so many people. Things move forward because you move them. You’re a boss and you’re amazing! But please please please, also remember that you are 1-of-1 and to allow yourself grace.

Whether it’s grace towards your time management or grace towards your emotional wellness or any other area in life where you may fall short at the end of 24 hrs.

Remember, it’s ok to reschedule an appointment. It’s ok to miss a pre-planned engagement. It’s ok to say “no”. Sometimes, we have to tell others NO, so that we can tell ourselves YES! Take that YES!! Create and maintain a healthy balance in your life.

I know you have a tendency to take care of others before yourself, so take INTENTIONAL time for yourself. It doesn’t have to be 4 hours at your nearest day spa. It can be 20 mins soaking in a hot tub with a single candle. It can be listening to your favorite music and closing your eyes for a 15 minute power nap. Either way, take time for yourself. Self care and self love are more than weekly mani/pedi appointments. YOU DESERVE ALL OF THE ABOVE!

xo,

Leilani

HERE’S A FEW WAYS TO BUILD GREATER BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE Schedule your “me” time. Sometimes we forget to take time for ourselves because we keep ourselves busy doing everything else so set some time for yourself whether it’s daily for a few minutes or weekly for a larger chunk of time. Dedicate it to yourself.

Celebrate your victories! Give yourself a pat on the back no matter how big or small the victory may be. You can celebrate with a bestie or treat yourself to something special.

Give yourself 3 daily affirmations in the morning. They don’t have to be long and drawn out. But tell yourself 3 bold statements about who you are and what your capable of. Doing this daily will make your “down” days not seem so down.

Replace the negative chatter in your head with positive truths. It’s easy to let those voices creep in a tell us we can’t. Replace those thoughts with reminders that you CAN, and you WILL! It’s ok to let people acknowledge you. This is a great reminder when you struggle to celebrate yourself. This is our good energy coming back to us through others. Absorb it and say ”thank you”.

There is no comparison for you, so don’t compare yourself to others. This race and journey is yours, and while you may share it with others in your community, it’s still YOURS. Be honest with yourself. If you can’t be honest with yourself, can you really be honest with others? Be authentic with your thoughts and feelings. This isn’t always easy, but can lead to so much growth.

It’s ok to say “no” or “not now”. Setting priorities for yourself is a good way to establish your boundaries with others.

Consider your eating, drinking, sleep, and excercise patterns. Your body is your temple, and it’s the only one you have. So take time to keep up the maintenance on it.

Set and write down short and long term goals. You don’t have to wait until New Years to do this. It can start today. Doing this will create a blueprint for your BIG goals and aspirations.

OUR SISTER ORG

HOUSE OF RUTH CANDLELIGHT VIGIL HIGHLIGHTS During Domestic Violence Month in October, House of Ruth Hosted the Annual Candlelight Vigil, Voices Emerging From Within The Walls, highlighting stories of individuals who experienced domestic violence during the COVID-19 Lockdowns.

The night was kicked off by an enchanting vocal performance from Ehmandah Ramsey, House of Ruth Vice-President, followed by compelling testimonials from dv survivors, speeches from local government officials and community partners recognizing House of Ruth's 45 years of service.

Those in attendance enjoyed interactive exhibits, workshops, art displays, performances, and resources. Additionally attendees were able to appreciate the heartfelt Voices From The Hearts uplifting positive message display from our donors to survivors.

Over 100 people attended this powerful evening. A big shout out to the House of Ruth Staff who coordinated vigil and everyone who participated in this event, we are thankful for your friendship and continued support throughout the years.

Learn more about House of Ruth by visiting: www.houseofruthinc.org

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS MORE THAN EVER. IF YOU NEED CARE, PLEASE GET SUPPORT.

NAMI | National Alliance of Mental Illness Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 M-F, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., ET Or in a crisis, text "NAMI" to 741741 for 24/7, confidential, free crisis counseling. https://www.nami.org/Home If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline The Lifeline is available for everyone, is free, and confidential.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Text 988 CHAT WITH LIFELINE Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis 1-888-628-9454 National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 Call 800-799-7233 Text “START” to 88788 www.thehotline.org 211 | Essential Community Services Call 211 211 connects you to expert, caring help. Every call is completely confidential.

BE A FEATURE

We absolutely love sharing the stories of everyday women just like you! Every woman has a story to tell!

In our community, we share our stories to uplift, inspire and empower women. Stories can be shared one on one, through social media and even through creativity.

Girl, we want you to know there’s healing power in sharing your story. Sometimes you may feel that there’s things only you could’ve experienced, until you hear someone else with a similar experience. You are not alone. Together we overcome.

Would you like to be a feature? Or do you know a woman who’d like to share her story at a live event?

Let us know! Let's change the world together one story at a time. It’s pretty empowering!

Email: team@shestories.co www.shestories.co