Meet Equality Education

We recently connected with Equality Education and have shared our conversation below.

Equality , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

Arianna’s Answer

I remember being an unhappy college student, lost and unsure of how to take care of myself. My health was in bad shape—both physically and emotionally. I didn’t have any direction, any real purpose. Confidence? It was a foreign concept to me. I struggled with claiming my wants and needs in life, often silencing myself to please others. Deep down, I knew I wasn’t living the life I deserved, but I didn’t know how to change it. My lack of self-belief was keeping me stuck in this endless cycle of self-doubt.

Everything started to shift when I made the difficult but necessary decision to stop defining myself through the eyes of others. For so long, I had built my life around being a people-pleaser, thinking that if I made others happy, I would somehow find happiness too. But it never came. Instead, I was left feeling empty, disconnected, and more uncertain about my place in the world.

The transformation didn’t happen overnight. It was slow and filled with uncomfortable moments. I began by confronting the hard truths about my life—truths I had avoided for years. I had to stop being a victim in my own story and start taking responsibility for my choices. I realized that I had more power than I gave myself credit for. Little by little, I started challenging myself in areas that once terrified me. I leaned into the discomfort of rejection, of no longer being liked by everyone, and of having to stand up for my own values.

I lost over 100 pounds, but the weight that lifted off my soul was even more significant. As I reclaimed my power, I started speaking my truth, something I had never dared to do before. And once I began to own my voice, everything around me changed. It was like the universe started opening doors I didn’t even know existed.

The most profound change came when I finally had the confidence to pursue dreams I had kept hidden. I started traveling the world by myself, experiencing cultures and adventures that I once thought could only exist in my wildest dreams. I found a sense of purpose and clarity in the most unexpected places, and slowly, I began building a life that felt true to me, not to anyone else.

During this time, I met my life partner, who has now been by my side for 15 years. We built a foundation of love, trust, and shared dreams, leading to the creation of our company, Equality Education. Together, we are preparing to welcome our first son into the world—a full-circle moment that feels surreal given how far I’ve come from that lost college student I once was.

The key to it all was learning how to be “positively selfish.” I had to prioritize my own happiness, my own growth, instead of constantly sacrificing myself for the comfort of others. Once I stopped looking for external validation and started valuing my own voice, my confidence blossomed. And with that confidence came the courage to claim dreams, no matter how unpopular or unconventional they seemed.

Now, I live a life full of purpose, confidence, and intention, and it all started when I made the decision to believe in myself.

Soleil’s Answer
I’ll never forget the moment my therapist told me I had “fragile self-esteem.” It was a tough pill to swallow, but I knew it was true. My sense of self-worth was unstable and easily shaken—too often reliant on external validation rather than internal strength.

Growing up as a performer, my identity was deeply tied to audience approval. The need to be liked in order to succeed left me with a shaky sense of self. Stepping into a place of confidence meant unlearning that conditioning. I had to shed the identity that craved constant validation.

During this transformation, I isolated myself in order to strengthen my relationship with me. It was a challenging but necessary process. I surrounded myself with people who genuinely supported me and sought knowledge to reframe my mindset. My therapist introduced me to life-changing books, including The Untethered Soul, The 48 Laws of Power, The Four Agreements, Why Do I Do That?, The Protected Self, and many more. These books became my lifeline—proving to me that information is love.

That knowledge inspired me to go back to school for developmental psychology. It also gave me the foundation to co-create Equality Education with my best friend—a company that allows us to do what we love while making a real impact. Through this journey, I also built a beautiful relationship with my husband, nurtured beautiful friendships, and am in the healthiest place I’ve ever been—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

I’m incredibly grateful for this journey because it has deepened my empathy for individuals who are still nurturing their self-esteem. I can connect with their struggles in a way that’s rooted in my personal experience, and I now feel equipped to help them discover their own greatness on a deeper level.
The answer to how I built my confidence? I held up the mirror, took accountability, found a therapist, devoured knowledge, and rewrote my entire story.

Equality Education: Confidence in Action
As the co-founders of Equality Education, confidence and self-esteem are the backbone of our success. Our personal growth has made us unstoppable.
In just a short time, we’ve:

* Partnered with major brands, including PUMA & Lauren London, Starbucks, Brookfield Properties, Meta, and many more.
* Collaborated with leading nonprofits, such as St. Nicks Alliance, Bellevue Hospital’s Reach Out & Read, NIDC, New York Edge, and others dedicated to youth empowerment and education.
* Earned M/WBE certification with the NYC Department of Education, allowing us to work in schools across the region, providing life-changing workshops and resources.
* Expanded our reach globally, offering virtual programs and resources that empower individuals of all ages to build emotional intelligence and practical life skills.
* Published impactful resources, including workbooks, guides, and educational content used by schools, nonprofits, and individuals to foster personal growth.
* Delivered keynote speeches and led workshops internationally at conferences and corporate events, inspiring audiences with our message of self-empowerment and authenticity.
* Secured media features on NBC, Telemundo, and many other platforms, highlighting our work and mission, amplifying our impact and visibility.

And this is just the beginning. We’ve built a business that makes a difference—and makes money—because we committed to building our own confidence first. 💫

We’ve also launched our podcast, Friends Who Want You to Win, and we have an episode dedicated to self-esteem and confidence! Be sure to check it out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UszWNQlgH-0&t=225s

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

Our Story and What We’re Focused On
We are the co-founders of Equality Education and the hosts of the podcast “Friends Who Want You to Win.”

Equality Education is a women-owned personal development company dedicated to teaching emotional intelligence to people of all ages. Our mission is simple: Helping People Discover Their Greatness. We offer a variety of resources, including workshops and workbooks like our “I AM: Affirmations Coloring Book” and “Thoughts, Feelings & Actions,” to name a few.
Our journey began when we met at an event and realized we lived just blocks from each other in Bushwick, Brooklyn. From workout buddies to business partners, we quickly discovered that our passions and purpose aligned. The first project we worked on together was the “I AM: Affirmations Coloring Book”. During the pandemic, we sold the book in McCarren Park for just $10! We used the funds to reinvest in the company, driven by our mission to make emotional intelligence accessible to everyone.

Our next step was booking our first workshop at a Starbucks, where we taught the “Life by Design: 8 Areas of Life”strategy. This approach helped people nurture every aspect of their lives so they could live a more fulfilling and balanced experience. From there, the opportunities began to pour in.
We’ve gone on to:
* Join holiday markets in Union Square, showcasing our workbooks and workshops to millions of holiday shoppers every year
* Become Department of Education vendors, allowing us to provide our resources and workshops in schools across New York City
* Partner with big brands like PUMA, Meta, and Starbucks, along with nonprofits like St. Nicks Alliance, Bellevue Hospital, New York Edge, and many more
* Expand our virtual workshops, reaching people globally and providing resources for emotional intelligence and personal development
* Host sold-out events and conferences, connecting with individuals and organizations passionate about personal growth and empowerment
* Publish a variety of workbooks and guides, offering fun, interactive ways to learn about emotional intelligence and live a more fulfilling life
* Receive media features on NBC, Telemundo and more, amplifying our mission and impact across diverse communities
* And much more!

We’ve always had more work and more opportunities coming our way, affirming that we’re on the right path. Our workbooks and workshops make learning about emotional intelligence fun, and we’ve created these resources to help people build fulfilling lives through intentional living. You can find our resources and join our virtual workshops at www.theequalityeducation.com.

“Friends Who Want You to Win” Podcast

For years, we knew a podcast was something we needed to create, and now it’s finally here! Through “Friends Who Want You to Win,” Arianna and Soleil are dedicated to helping people create lives they love, free from regret. We believe that a happy ending doesn’t magically happen—it’s something you have to create for yourself!

We wanted to offer a free resource where people could gain knowledge and apply it to their lives. In our episodes, we dive into topics like radical accountability, relationships, self-esteem, and all the essential life lessons that help individuals discover their greatness and create their version of a fulfilling life.
We’re thrilled to bring these insights to our audience and continue empowering individuals to live their best lives!

Podcast Links:
https://www.youtube.com/@theequalityedu

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/friends-who-want-you-to-win/id1786395691

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

Soleil’s Answer
Looking back, three key qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have had the most impact on my journey:

“Information is love—never stop learning.”
I made a commitment to lifelong learning, which led me to go back to school for developmental psychology. The knowledge I gained became the foundation for everything we do at Equality Education. It’s through continuous learning—whether it’s books, podcasts, panels, or conversations—that I’ve had breakthroughs and been able to create a fulfilling life. My advice to anyone starting out: Stay humble and embrace the idea that “A wise person knows they don’t know anything at all.” When you stay humble and open, you allow the world to teach you, and that knowledge becomes a powerful tool in your journey.

“Be Solution-Oriented.”
The road to success is rarely smooth, but challenges are a part of the process. The key is to remain solution-focused and resilient in the face of adversity. I see many people get overwhelmed by setbacks, but stress only clouds your ability to think creatively. Challenges exist to help us grow, refine our vision, and push us to a higher level. My advice is to take a deep breath and get creative with how to solve problems. Challenges are opportunities in disguise, and with the right mindset, nothing can stop you from achieving your goals.

“Balance.”
It’s easy to become consumed by your business, but the most successful people understand the importance of balance. Your health, relationships, hobbies, and personal well-being are just as important as your work. I struggled with this for a long time, but I eventually realized that achieving balance in all areas of life makes you better in each one. Set boundaries to ensure you nurture every part of your life. If you’re struggling with this, I highly recommend joining our course, “The Wake Up Call,” where we teach you how to win in every area of your life.
Advice for Those Just Starting Out:
Keep working on yourself—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The more personal development work you do, the better you’ll show up in every area of your life, especially in your business. The growth you experience personally will directly impact the success of your business. So, invest in yourself, and the results will follow.

Arianna’s Answer
Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that I consider to be the most impactful:

Growth Mindset: Learning about the growth mindset was a game-changer for me. When you adopt a growth mindset, you become a lifelong learner. This belief that you can improve, develop, and grow with effort and perseverance becomes a foundational element in building confidence. It allowed me to embrace challenges as opportunities to learn rather than setbacks, which shifted the way I saw myself and my potential. To anyone early in their journey, my advice is to immerse yourself in this area of knowledge. Commit to seeing every experience—whether positive or negative—as a learning opportunity. That shift in perspective will build the resilience you need to live a fulfilling and evolving life.

Letting Go of Shame and Regret: This skill is irreplaceable. Shame and regret can hold you back more than any external obstacle ever could. They destroy your sense of self-worth and make it nearly impossible to step into a new version of yourself. I learned how to release these emotions because I realized they were chaining me to a version of myself that no longer served me. To anyone in the early stages of their journey, practice self-forgiveness. Let go of the past because it is not your future. The things that got you to where you are today will not be the same dynamics that create a new tomorrow. So, let go and make space for growth.

Being ‘Positively Selfish’: This quality has been one of the most transformative in my life. Being positively selfish means prioritizing your own happiness and well-being over external opinions or expectations. It’s about living your life for you. For a long time, I lived based on what others thought was best for me, but it was only when I started making decisions that aligned with my vision that my whole world began to change. To those just starting out, my advice is to stop seeking approval from others. You are the only constant in your entire journey, and only you have the power to build or tear down your confidence. When you start living for yourself, that’s when you’ll truly see your life shift.

My final piece of advice is this: Know that adapting to new ways of thinking about yourself is uncomfortable at first, but it is necessary for growth. Everyone goes through this process—you’re not alone in it. If you can, find an accountability partner or someone on a similar path. Sharing the journey with someone will make it that much easier and keep you motivated when things get tough. Remember, it’s not about perfection, but about progress and the courage to keep moving forward.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

Soleil’s Answer
“The Mountain is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage into Self-Mastery” taught me how to stop blocking my own blessings! It explains why we self-sabotage, how to break the cycle, and how to fully embrace the good things life has to offer. Personally, when I realize that I’m the one standing in my own way, I get excited (I know, it sounds strange). But for me, that’s empowering—it means I have the power to change things.

I remember having a breakthrough on a plane, realizing that my own behaviors were leading to outcomes I didn’t want. The book states, “You are the problem and you are the solution.” This realization hit me hard, but it also lit a spark in me. It was in that moment I truly understood that I had the ability to alter my path.

This book helped me dive deep into the reasons behind my self-sabotage, and most importantly, it helped me recognize when I was doing it. Wiest says, “The only thing standing between you and your highest potential is your own belief in your limitations.” That quote has stuck with me because it challenges everything I thought I knew about myself.

It taught me to embrace my insecurities and transform them so that I could fully accept my own greatness—and appreciate the greatness of others as well. “You are not a failure. You are simply someone who has been blocked by your own fears.” This line reminded me that growth happens when we stop seeing ourselves as failures and start seeing every setback as a learning opportunity.

Ari’s Answer
“The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson” played a pivotal role in my personal development. Before reading it, I knew I needed to make changes in my life, but I felt overwhelmed and had no idea where to start. This book gave me a simple yet powerful framework: focus on small, daily actions that compound over time. That idea changed everything for me. I realized I didn’t need drastic shifts—just small, consistent steps in the right direction.

Another key lesson from the book was the importance of sticking with those small changes, even when I didn’t see immediate results. This advice was exactly what I needed because I often felt discouraged when things didn’t change right away. The Slight Edge motivated me to trust the process and stay consistent, knowing that progress comes over time. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to build self-confidence and improve their life, starting with where they are today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theequalityeducation.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theequalityedu/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com.theequalityeducation
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theequalityedu
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7dimT5H4mzrQ6QhVMZQjtX

Image Credits

We own the rights and photos were taken by our team members.