Amanda Butler shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Amanda, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
To help people heal. For the last few years I’ve been focusing on my own transformation of healing and growth. As a scorpio and someone that loves diving deep into the depths of my soul, transformation comes very easy. I’ve studied growth and have applied it in my own life over and over again. But now I am being called to help people process their own grief, trauma, healing. It’s a scary and exciting opportunity but I know when I am being called, it’s important to answer.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Amanda Butler and I am originally from a small town called Warrensburg, Missouri. I’ve always been a free spirit and someone that goes to the beat of my own drum. Since a young child I’ve been curious about the world. This inspired me to live and travel all around the world –meeting new friends, choosing different business ventures and creating a life of my own making.
I’ve been working in the fitness industry as a trainer, group fitness instructor, on-camera persona and really working to build community in every place I land. In 2022, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer at 32 and this changed everything. I shared my entire story and cancer treatment online and built a large community of cancer patients and survivors around the world. This eventually grew into my cancer organization, Cancer Baddies – a raw, unfiltered, and vibrant community that provides support, resources, and healing experiences for anyone impacted by cancer.
I wanted to create a community that felt real – that exuded honesty, positivity and real support. No offense but some of the cancer groups were just, sad….and I was already sad enough on my own, I needed a space that was uplifting and reminded me that I was not alone on this journey. So I created it myself!
Our mission is to offer real connection through monthly gatherings, expert-led workshops, a private membership platform, digital resources, and live events that honor the full spectrum of the cancer experience. I host monthly events and international retreats that support real healing and deep connection.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Living and traveling abroad. I always knew I was made for greatness but growing up in a small town in Missouri, sometimes it’s hard to see out of your current reality. But I had big dreams! The first chance I got towards the end of college, I decided to move to Arusha, Tanzania. I created my own internship teaching health lessons to children in an orphanage. I saw the way they loved and lived life. They came from nothing but their souls exuded pure joy. No matter their background or current life situation, the people were happy. This showed me how much more to life there is than just working, paying bills, settling down, etc.
After living in Tanzania for 3 months, I craved more from the world. I later moved to Bangkok, Thailand for 1.5 years and have since spent every year traveling to new locations to explore the people, culture, food, and each time learning more about myself and others. I am so grateful for the privilege to explore. Every experience you have is an opportunity to learn.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Going through my cancer diagnosis at 32 and experiencing deep pain, grief, and rapid transformation it uncovered a lot of truths. My biggest takeaway from experiencing cancer at such a young and healthy age is that everything is a lesson. I stopped playing victim to my life and starting asking myself, “What is this trying to teach me?” vs “Why is this happening to me?”
It’s hard to see the big picture when you are in the midst of struggle. The pain sometimes feels all encompassing. I have learned to take a step back, acknowledge what is happening but to ultimately trust the process and timing of my life. I am so grateful for the little moments. I have started saying ‘yes’ more to the things my heart desires and ‘no’ to things that no longer align. I love my body for getting me through the toughest years of my life. I no longer punish her. I have slowed down. Rest is no longer a reward – it’s a requirement. I am so much more attune to the needs of my mind, body and soul because for the first time, maybe ever, I have stopped abandoning myself.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. While there are so many sides to you that is hard to portray online and to the public, I pride myself in my authenticity. Sometimes to a fault. I speak my truth in a loving way, I am honest and I physically cannot do or say things that feel out of alignment.
At my most recent retreat in Tuscany, Italy, some women in attendance were from my online community. We had spoken via zoom but never met in person. One of the best things they said to me was, “Amanda you are exactly the same in person as you are online. Loving, kind, generous, helpful, funny and so very real. That is so rare.” It was such an honor to be complimented in that way and to be seen. I have a fire-y side but my heart is pure gold.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was kind, giving, loving and never gave up. I want people to see perseverance but also softness. I have been in my masculine for a very long time – truly surviving, but I now want to thrive in my soft girl era. It’s time. I hope people saw my heart in everything that I did. That’s the most important.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cancer-baddies.circle.so/c/start-here
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cancerbaddies
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hiamandabutler
Image Credits
PSD x Keep a Breast (main photo)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
