Meet Coralin Allen

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Coralin Allen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Coralin below.

Coralin , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

The first step for me was recognizing when I was experiencing imposter syndrome. I started writing down those moments when I felt like a fraud. Seeing it on paper helped me realize how often it happened and that it wasn’t based on reality. I began challenging my inner critic. Whenever I had a negative thought, I asked myself if there was any real evidence to support it. Most of the time, there wasn’t. Instead of seeing mistakes as failures, I tried to view them as learning opportunities. This shift in perspective made a huge difference in how I approached challenges. Talking to friends, mentors, or a therapist helped me a lot. They provided an outside perspective and reminded me of my achievements when I couldn’t see them myself. I started keeping a folder of positive feedback and accomplishments. Whenever I felt down, I looked through it to remind myself of what I’ve achieved. Being kind to myself was crucial. I reminded myself that it’s okay to make mistakes and that I’m constantly growing and learning. Sometimes, just taking a small step forward helped break the cycle of self-doubt. Action, no matter how small, can be a powerful antidote to feeling stuck.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Motivated Navy veteran, award-winning chef, and business entrepreneur with over 9 years of service. As a passionate advocate for public health, I excel in strategic planning, team leadership, and culinary innovation. Currently pursuing double majors in Business Entrepreneurship Operations and Culinary Management. Board member at the Pensacola Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce. Founder of “The Safe Place,” a youth empowerment nonprofit. I am always seeking opportunities to leverage my diverse background and drive revenue growth. As a dedicated public health professional and culinary expert, I am committed to improving community health through innovative nutrition programs and educational initiatives. My diverse background in public health, culinary arts, and entrepreneurship uniquely positions me to drive impactful changes in school nutrition programs and beyond. I am currently in the startup process to launch an initiative called “EcoGrow”.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey are:

1. Culinary Innovation
Impact: My ability to create unique and nutritious recipes has been a cornerstone of my success. This skill not only led to my award-winning status but also allowed me to author a best-selling cookbook, “Savor the Flavor.”

Advice:

Experiment and Learn: I continuously experiment with new ingredients and cooking techniques. Attending workshops, watching tutorials, and reading culinary books have been essential in expanding my knowledge.
Seek Feedback: Sharing my creations with others and seeking constructive feedback has helped me refine my skills and understand different tastes and preferences.
2. Public Health Advocacy
Impact: My public health degree and advocacy work have enabled me to address food disparities and promote healthy eating habits. This knowledge has been crucial in my efforts to improve community health.

Advice:

Stay Informed: I keep up-to-date with the latest research and trends in public health by subscribing to journals, attending conferences, and participating in webinars.
Engage with the Community: Volunteering with local health organizations and participating in community events has helped me understand the needs of the community and build valuable connections.
3. Leadership and Team Management
Impact: My leadership skills have been instrumental in founding and managing initiatives like “The Safe Place.” Leading teams and projects has allowed me to drive positive change and achieve my goals.

Advice:

Develop Soft Skills: I focus on improving communication, empathy, and conflict resolution skills, which are essential for effective leadership.
Learn from Others: Seeking mentorship from experienced leaders and observing their management styles has been invaluable. Joining leadership programs or taking courses has also enhanced my abilities.

Personal Reflection
These qualities have not only shaped my career but also allowed me to make a meaningful impact on my community. For those early in their journey, embracing continuous learning, seeking feedback, and engaging with the community are key steps to developing these skills.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, my new initiative EcoGrow is actively seeking partners and collaborators to join us in our mission to empower individuals and communities to embrace sustainable living through innovative gardening solutions. We are looking for:

Community Organizations: Groups that are passionate about health, wellness, and environmental stewardship. We aim to collaborate on community education and engagement initiatives.
Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities interested in integrating sustainable gardening into their curriculum or extracurricular activities.
Local Businesses: Companies that can provide resources, sponsorships, or expertise in areas such as gardening supplies, nutrition, and wellness.
Nonprofits and NGOs: Organizations focused on addressing food disparities, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting underserved communities.
Volunteers and Advocates: Individuals who are passionate about sustainable living and want to contribute their time, skills, or resources to our cause.

Contact Info:

• Website: www,corascustomcreations.com