We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Francine Apy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Francine, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I discovered my purpose as a “Beacon” for shaping a modern, 2024 conversation around adoption—and beyond—through moments of quiet reflection on the word SoulFilling. This journey began when a dear friend lovingly referred to me as her “SoulFilling friend, Fran.” That heartfelt comment sparked deep introspection about what truly fills my soul.
As I explored this question, I uncovered a profound sense of purpose for this new chapter of my life. This process of reflection offered me a chance to pause, reevaluate, and take intentional steps toward aligning with my mission: to inspire and guide others through meaningful conversations and connections that nourish the soul and enrich the human experience.
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?
Faith-Led Mom, Wife, Author, Speaker, Business Owner, Adoption Champion.
My mission is to highlight modern adoption narratives, celebrate the positives, and share how adoption has transformed over the last several decades. I am dedicated to encouraging adoption conversations in casual, conversational ways at home, in schools, and throughout our communities, spreading a message of faith, hope, and encouragement.
As a mother, blessed three times through adoption, an aunt to five adopted nieces and nephews, and an advocate, I harnesses the power of resilience and the science behind positive psychology to support and elevate the adoption community. Whether through writing, coaching, speaking, educational courses, podcasts, or my line of adoption-themed gifts and apparel, I am committed to fostering understanding and openness around adoption. Proudly noted, I commissioned a jeweler to custom make my interpretation of the adoption symbol pendant. All of these products were created with the hope of sparking informal, casual, adoption conversation. They are available on my website www.SoulFillingAdoption.com. In addition, the two books referenced below are available there too as well as on Amazon.
Completed my BA degree in English Communications from Le Moyne College and was an HR Executive for over 20 years, long before I turned entrepreneur.
More about the two books I self-published:
Brianna’s Brave Day at School-Join Brianna as she bravely speaks up at school on a topic near to her heart, adoption. Learn how the power of one voice, one comment, can change how many others see a situation and what a difference it can make! My mission in creating SoulFilling is to help make the adoption conversation more mainstream and casual, at home and at school.
Dominica’s Story: A Life of Courage, Hope, and Love-With piercing blue eyes and silver-blond hair, Dominica’s warmth and empathy draw you in, but it’s her resilience that truly captivates. Set against the backdrop of World War II, Dominica Myskiw Annese’s early years in war-torn Ukraine unravel a heart-wrenching story of survival. Dominica’s story is an emotional journey through love, loss, and unimaginable strength—a testament to the power of the human spirit that rises above the darkest chapters of history.
A timely and inspiring read as history sadly repeats itself in Ukraine. Proceeds from the sale of this book will support the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.)
Highlights from 2024:
Self-Published 2 books
Interviewed on 7 podcasts
Organized several events in November to celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month
Interviewed on Channel 10 News twice
Plans for 2025
Working on 2 more books
Writing an online course-Adoption Conversation: History, Insight, Mindset
Scheduling book readings and public speaking opportunities
So to recap I am deeply committed to creating positive conversations and perspectives around adoption. I apply my faith-driven entrepreneur and advocate skills combined with my personal experiences and professional expertise to inspire and educate others. My work is multifaceted, encompassing writing, speaking, coaching, and product development, all aimed at making adoption narratives modern and more relatable and accessible in everyday contexts.
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?
As a mom, HR business executive, and entrepreneur, it’s critical to have great listening and communication skills. Also, I think creating a vision board at the beginning of every year is very helpful with staying on track with goals. When things get busy, as they will, the vision board will bring you back to your priorities and help you get focused on what is most important. Find people who have accomplished what you want to do and see if they offer a master class in these areas or in areas you feel you need to develop for yourself to succeed. Learning from those who have the same values and similar goals will help you get to where you want to go sooner.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I think you need balance! You should always lead with your strengths, and spend the majority of your time working in that space but from time to time you need to fill our gaps, those areas you need to refine in order to be successful, and invest in yourself. For example, by profession, I am an HR Executive turn business owner. The things I love most are writing, creating content, speaking, photography. That said, since I am a solopreneur, I need to educate myself enough about all the other areas of a business (marketing, sales, finance, etc.) enough so that I can run the business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.SoulFillingAdoption.com
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
