We recently had the chance to connect with Onicka Griffin and have shared our conversation below.
Onicka, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I will be turning 50 this year! I feel joy when I think about what the second half of my life will look like! What I will learn, where I will travel, who I will meet and all the new things I will experience!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the co-host of a fresh and fearless podcast called Lyin’ & Cryin’. We delve into topics such as mental health, wellness, social issues, business, lifestyle, travel etc. We take pride in telling impactful stories that inspire!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My beloved Father, Dr. Jerome S. Daniel DDS saw me before I could see myself. He passed away on March 7th, 2025. The grief that I am experiencing from such a tremendous loss in my life is something that cannot be explained.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
This year (2026) marks my 13th year anniversary away from abuse. I left my abuser 13 years ago. When I began my healing journey I was able to share my story with others, with the hopes of helping them heal and understand they can have a beautiful life after experiencing domestic violence. I then began to turn my pain into my purpose. This new beginning birthed a children’s book series ~ The Holiday Boys ~ (theholidayboys.com), a successful mental health agency ~ Gifted Enterprises LLC ~ (giftedenterprisesllc.com) and a growing podcast ~ Lyin’ & Cryin’~ now available wherever you get your podcasts!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that nurturing a healthy and loving relationship with my children is what matters most to me. They would say that my love for helping others is what brings me the most joy.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I am gone I hope people tell others about my life’s work to help others heal from domestic violence. I hope people tell others about my kindness, my giving heart and my ability to make those around me feel loved, worthy and safe.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lyin_n_cryin_podcast
- Facebook: @lyin and cryin podcast
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lyincryin?si=CRKfRbZeQFUMoCg2
Image Credits
Destiny Leigh Studios
Joi Pearson Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
