Meet Lafonda Blackmon

We recently connected with Lafonda Blackmon and have shared our conversation below.

Lafonda, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Finding my purpose was a journey shaped by my experiences, challenges, and the people around me. For a long time, I was searching for something that would make me feel fulfilled—a calling that would allow me to make a meaningful difference in others’ lives. I realized that every setback, every success, and every encounter was guiding me towards understanding my purpose.

In many ways, my purpose found me through my passions and values. As I leaned into what truly mattered to me, I discovered a deep-seated desire to uplift others, to share insights, and to create spaces where people feel seen and empowered. I learned that purpose isn’t just about a job title or a single role—it’s about aligning my life with the values I believe in, the talents I’ve been given, and the impact I want to have on the world.

In everything I do, whether it’s through my writing, or creative endeavors, my purpose shines through. I’ve embraced it as a dynamic part of my life, always growing and evolving as I do.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As a podcaster, entrepreneur, author, and emerging artist, I love that my work allows me to connect with people from all walks of life, inspiring and empowering them to live authentically. Through my podcasts, I share stories, advice, and insights that help listeners navigate their personal and professional lives. Each episode is crafted to resonate on a personal level, creating a community where listeners feel understood and uplifted.

As an author, my work dives deeper into themes of growth, resilience, and purpose, topics I’m passionate about exploring. Writing allows me to connect with readers and share the lessons I’ve learned, often from my own experiences. My book, The Secerts She Kept and The Lies She Told, was a significant milestone for me, as it encapsulates my journey and the wisdom I’ve gathered along the way, aimed at encouraging others to live their best lives.

Being an up-and-coming artist adds an exciting new dimension to my brand. Art is another outlet for self-expression and creativity, giving me the chance to connect with people visually and emotionally. I’m currently working on several new projects and collaborations, so stay tuned for releases.

In everything I do, my goal is to inspire and foster community, whether through a podcast, a book, or my music. I’m driven by the idea that we all have the potential to live a meaningful life, and I’m excited to keep sharing this journey with everyone who follows my work.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have been especially impactful on my journey: resilience, adaptability, and the ability to connect with others meaningfully.

1. Resilience – The road to success has its challenges, and resilience has been essential for staying focused and moving forward, even during tough times. My advice to anyone starting out is to view setbacks as opportunities to grow. Building resilience is about learning to bounce back and embracing the lessons in each experience, no matter how difficult.

2. Adaptability – Being flexible and open to change has allowed me to seize opportunities I hadn’t initially considered. The world is constantly evolving, especially in creative and entrepreneurial fields, so developing adaptability is key. My advice here is to stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Lean into unexpected opportunities—they often bring growth and new perspectives.

3. Connecting with Others – Whether in podcasting, writing, or entrepreneurship, the ability to connect authentically with others has been invaluable. I’ve learned that people connect most deeply when you’re genuine and vulnerable. For those starting out, my advice is to listen actively, value people’s stories, and approach relationships with sincerity. Building trust and community takes time, but it’s a powerful foundation for any journey.

These qualities—resilience, adaptability, and connection—are all like muscles that get stronger with practice. Embrace each step, keep refining these skills, and let them guide you.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been embracing vulnerability in my work and connections. As someone who often operates in creative and public spaces, I used to focus heavily on presenting a polished, professional image. But this year, I learned the power of letting my audience see more of my authentic self, including the challenges and lessons I’m working through.

Allowing myself to be more open has not only deepened my connection with others but has also made my work feel more meaningful. By sharing the ups and downs, I’ve created a stronger bond with my community, letting them know they’re not alone in their own journeys. This growth in authenticity has brought new energy to my projects, from podcast episodes to my music and writing, allowing me to explore topics that truly resonate with people.

I’ve come to understand that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and I’m excited to continue growing in this direction.

Contact Info:

  • Website: https://www.successfultoypodcast.com
  • Instagram: successful_toy_podcast
  • Facebook: successful toy podcast
  • Youtube: successful toy podcast
  • Other: music page on Instagram successful_toy_fanpage
    my music youtube page is Successful Toy
    my facebook music page is Successful Toy Fanpage

Image Credits

Dsauve

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Betting on the Brightside: Developing and Fostering Optimism

Optimism is like magic – it has the power to make the impossible a reality

What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?

There is no one path – to success or even to New York (or Kansas).

Finding & Living with Purpose

Over the years we’ve had the good fortunate of speaking with thousands of successful entrepreneurs,