Meet Venetia Lyons

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Venetia Lyons a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Venetia, 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.

How I overcame my impostor syndrome at 60 years old was a choice. I had to decide if I wanted to continue on the path of self-doubt or venture into a new path of choosing purpose over perfection and committing to living authentically, boldly, and without apology.
First, I had to be honest with myself and admit that I was afraid of change. I was not sure of how to change and I did not have the confidence in myself to do the work. It took a lot of self reflection that lead to self-discovery of who I was at this time of my life.
It became clear that my value was not tied to what others thought of me. Because at the wonderful age of 60 plus, why was I still struggling with self identity. I have held many titles: daughter, wife, mother, educator, business owner, speaker, and author and I still was challenged with my ability.

I accepted the truth as time moves on, so do your titles’ priority shifts. I begin to shift my mindset and instead of focusing on what I hadn’t done, I began to celebrate who I am today. I had to shut down the whispers of, “Who do you think you are?” and begin to be thankful and not live in regret, of what I did not have, what I should have done. I had to get my mind to open up to the question, what do I want?

I took my eyes off of what others were doing or achieving, I realized comparison was the enemy. My lane is mine alone. I put my eyes on the woman in the mirror, and admire her.
It was scary at times as I sought to move myself into a different mindset by stepping outside of my comfort zone, but I used fear as a confirmation to keep moving and grow in my journey. Instead of waiting for others to acknowledge me as I built my business, I begin to create my own opportunities.
That shift in mindset allowed me to move confidently, even when others didn’t “get it.”

When I say I had to do the work, what that meant for me was a holistic approach to my life, mentally, spiritually, and physically. I joined a gym to keep myself accountable to my physical health goals, I hired a therapist to help me dig deep inside my layers of the past and my present struggles, I learned I had to be willing to let go of what was that I may receive what is in my life today.

I believe that it does take a village to live your healthy self, so I sought mentorship and community with women who would affirm, challenge, encouragement and hold me accountable. These were key ingredients in my journey because “IS” impostor syndrome can not thrive in that environment..

Instead of feeling ashamed about not knowing everything, whether it was new tech skill, how to use a marketing tool or planning the next step in my journey, or social media platforms, I became a student again. This experience caused me to be excited about learning and mastering the unfamiliar.

This allowed me to say “Yes” to speaking engagements, interviews, and book signings, even when my knees shook. Each time I shared my story, I realized how many other women struggle with the big ‘IS” impostor syndrome, and if I could help someone live in freedom, it was worth it.
I have launched my writing career with my pen name V.sue, giving honor and freedom to the writer inside, and founded Strength for the Journey Publishing Company to publish my books.

I turned the very things that once made me feel like a fraud, my age, reinvention, and a new path, into a platform of empowerment. I believe it is never too late or too hard to be who you were meant to be. The only imposter is the person who allows anything stop them achieving their dreams.

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?

At 66 years, I am proof that reinvention has no expiration date. A Detroit-based author, educator, speaker, and serial entrepreneur. I am a force behind multiple thriving ventures including Strength for the Journey Publishing Company, Born 2 Reign Children’s Lifestyle Brand, and the financial empowerment movement Sista’nomics.

I am the guiding new authors through the publishing process, coaching Black women on how to rewrite their financial stories, and helping children develop into confident, purpose-driven leaders, my work is deeply rooted in transformation, truth, and generational impact.
“Everything I do is about healing, building, and reigning — whether it’s in business, your home, or your mind. “I believe we all have a calling to rise, even if we’ve been through hard things.”
As founder of Strength for the Journey Publishing Company, I have published four books, but also serve as a book coach and creative director for aspiring authors. Guiding writers from idea to launch with branding, marketing, and emotional support included.
“Publishing is not just about the book. It’s about the voice behind the book,” “We give people the courage to share their story and the strategy to make it profitable.”

One of my most exciting movements is Sista’nomics — a dynamic economic empowerment initiative created specifically for Black women ages 30–70. Through virtual classes, meetups, and her upcoming Sista’nomics Tour, I teach “The Economics of You,” a transformative framework for healing your relationship with money and unlocking your value. Each class includes spiritual alignment, cultural truth-telling, and business-building skills for those ready to transition out of survival mode into generational wealth.
“We’ve been the backbone of families and movements. Now it’s time to be the architects of our wealth,” she affirms.

Coming soon: Sista’nomic Mobile Office, a mobile resource truck offering workshops, mentorship, and entrepreneurial tools for women across six major cities starting in Detroit.
In addition to her work with women, I am the founder and mentor behind Born 2 Reign, a children’s lifestyle brand created with my grandchildren. From writing their first book, London’s Enchanted Tea Room, to designing jewelry and chore charts with leadership affirmations, this family-led company teaches kids how to reign with purpose, confidence, and creativity.
“We are building a legacy in real-time — training the next generation of kingdom-minded leaders.”

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

If I had to name the three qualities or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey, I’d say: resilience, clarity of purpose, and the ability to communicate with power.

1. Resilience
Life didn’t hand me a blueprint — I had to build it brick by brick. Resilience kept me moving when doors closed, when funding dried up, when people doubted me, or when I doubted myself. It’s not about being strong all the time; it’s about learning how to bend without breaking and remembering why you started.

Advice for others:
You build resilience by learning how to rest, not quit. Surround yourself with people who remind you of your strength when you forget. And when life knocks you down, let it teach you — not take you.

2. Clarity of Purpose
Once I got clear about who I was called to serve — women, youth, families — everything shifted. I no longer chased trends or burned out trying to do everything. I built what I was born to build. Purpose keeps you grounded when the world is loud. It helps you say no with confidence and yes with intention.

Advice for others:
Spend time learning yourself. Pay attention to what breaks your heart and what sets your soul on fire — that’s where your purpose lives. Then build from there.

3. Communication & Storytelling
Being able to share my story, speak with authority, and help others find their voice is a gift that changed everything. From writing books to public speaking to coaching , communication is the bridge between where you are and the people you’re meant to reach.

Advice for others:
Start where you are. Practice writing, speaking, even posting online — but always speak from the truth of your experience. Your story is your superpower, and someone needs it to take the next step in their own life.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always looking to collaborate with people who are purpose-driven, visionary, and serious about impact, not just income. If you’re passionate about publishing, youth empowerment, women’s wellness, financial literacy, or creative education, then we might be a great fit.

I especially love working with:

Authors and Aspiring Writers who have a powerful story but need help developing, publishing, and promoting their book that’s what Strength for the Journey Publishing Company was built for.

Women Entrepreneurs, Coaches, and Speakers who are ready to step into their full voice and want to align their faith, finances, and business goals , that’s what Sista’nomics is all about.

Educators, Program Directors, and Nonprofits looking for fresh curriculum, teacher enrichment, or youth programming rooted in leadership, self-worth, and creativity — I provide custom solutions through my consulting and educational services.

Community Builders and Event Organizers who want to bring me in to speak, teach, or lead — whether it’s for a women’s summit, youth workshop, or empowerment series. I bring over 40 years of experience, deep storytelling, and real-world tools.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Yes, I’d love to work with her!” — don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m open to joint ventures, event partnerships, product collaborations, curriculum co-creation, or just an honest conversation to explore what’s possible.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Strength For The Journey Publishing Company. i have the rights to the images.

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