Today we’d like to introduce you to Darniecia Lynn.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
-Well, a brief journey into my story is, in my early 20’s I was introduced to the Recovery community through our church. We would minister at an in-patient residential facility once a month. And I just remember the first time I was able to experience that level of ministry I was in love. I immediately connected with that area of service and I knew then I had discovered the path to my purpose. And by the age of 26, I had become a Registered Alcohol & Drug Counselor in the state of California because I knew that I had a specific assignment from God. But in order to be received, I knew I had to be respected. Well, that part of my path got put on hold when I met my Husband while I was in school and decided to marry him the year after I graduated. The decision to move to Texas, marry and have 2 babies was definitely not 100% intentional. Nevertheless, it just felt right, like the plan of God for my life was being played out exactly how it was supposed to. Fast forward 13 years later, I am blessed to pick up where I left off to re-connect with my path of purpose, where I am able to follow through with serving the Women in the Recovery community just as before but on a broader scale today.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Right. Well briefly, at the age of 28 I faced my first big financial decline. It was during the first two years of marriage, two babies later. It was like love and happiness wasn’t just a song it had become a determination. Me and my new family experienced homelessness for 3yrs and was on welfare for 5years. But through determination and by the grace of God, My husband and I have been able to break free from the poverty line and have built 2 successful businesses.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
Yes! I have a natural inclination to lead. But on a social scale. So when you consider leading someone socially, that turns into mentoring. And for as long as I can remember, even in elementary school, I was a mentor to my friends. In my young adult stages, I would instinctively mentor young girls, allowing them to spend time with me by taking them to church, shopping, or even slumber parties. These responses would encourage positive & healthy behaviors that would show up at home, school and relationship with their parents. And now, I am taking that skill to the streets! Lol. I have a vision that involves the core of impactful mentorship that will transform the lives of Women all over the world through my non-profit Leading Ladies to Live!
I strongly believe that the competition is always the better option. But if you or anyone chooses what I offer it is because I am the better option for you.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
That is a great question. Well, first, I don’t give advice. But I will encourage and suggest that you define what success in your life will look like for you. Not what you see on t.v. or pictures of nice houses and bling bling in a magazine. But really take the time and consider what are you really asking for when you say you want a successful life. Because truthfully, success is a relative term. I can look at my life and think, I am successful. Someone else can look at my life and see struggle. The best part of that scenario is that my success is not based on what others think. But is based on the idea that if I am to achieve it, it is my responsibility to see it and believe that it does exist for me and my family to enjoy. So, get focused, get clear on what a successful life means and looks like to you and then you will be able to make the necessary moves to see it manifest in your life.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Well, as I previously mentioned, it is relative. Success can also be an exaggerated word. When it is stated, it’s like it puts a blanket over financial problems. When that is not the case for a lot of people who have successful lives. I remember the first time I was able to shift out of my woe it’s me countenance. We were living in a motel. And I realized that even though we were not living in the best of the best living conditions, I was able to see how we still had our needs met. I was able to see how my babies were not sleeping in a car or having to stay with relatives. I was able to see how we had food, non-infested environment, clean, maid service, laundry, safe, favorable living conditions. And it was then I remember putting that ahah moment on Facebook, I said I am learning to realize that my life is successful because my day is successful. #grateful #gratitude. So the word success to me means: the measure of value achieved.
What’s next for you?
Yes! Of Course. I am excited to announce that we are on track to open soon Leading Ladies To Live Outpatient Treatment Center hopefully by the end of this year. And we are also hosting our first Holiday Outreach called An Agape Feast! The event presents a warm, non-judgmental, intimate gathering filled with all the bells and whistles of the holiday cheer specifically delivered to a Women in recovery center. These women will be gracefully served dinner, receive inspiration and of course gifts for them as well as their children.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn & Instagram: @Darniecialynn
website: Leadingladiestolive.org
email: support@leadingladiestolive.org or lynn.tucker@leadingladiestolive.org
