Growth often means stepping into what once scared us. The things we resist can become the very paths we’re meant to take. We asked some of the best and brightest in the community: what are you being called to do now that you once feared? Their answers reveal the courage it takes to move past fear and into purpose.

Jahnessa Adeyemi

I know I am called to lead with vision, to step into the role of a visionary leader. For a long time, I felt unqualified, almost like Moses when God called him to speak and lead. Growing up in Special Ed, I struggled with speech challenges, I mumble and stutter often, and I still find it difficult at times to comprehend things or articulate what I’m trying to communicate. Many times, I’ve felt like my confidence was non-existent. But God has been building it within me spiritually first, teaching me to lean on His strength instead of my own. My weaknesses have never stopped Him from choosing or using me. He placed a vision inside of me that is bigger than my limitations, and now I’m learning to trust Him to speak through me. Read More>>

William Perry

Over the last couple of years, I’ve found myself in more of a leadership role within the producer community compared to our last interview. Since we last spoke, I have been named a brand ambassador for both Repost Exchange and BeatStars. I also am an affiliate producer for Melodics.

As reserved as I can be, I never would have imagined I would stumble across multiple opportunities to represent the same brands that became part of my daily regiment – yet alone capitalize on those opportunities. That is such a tremendous milestone for me; especially considering I am completely independent. Read More>>

Aye Akoda

Right now, I’m being called to stand unapologetically in my truth and amplify my voice as a guide for others on their journey of self-discovery, healing, and manifestation. For a long time, I kept parts of my story private, afraid of how the rawness of my experiences might be perceived. I have come to understand that my authenticity is my greatest tool for connection. The very things I once thought might make me appear vulnerable are, in fact, the keys that allow others to see themselves in my journey and believe transformation is possible for them too. Read More>>

Sarah Vining

I am being called to help female owned entrepreneurs build their brands. It is my ultimate vision to see all of downtown retail shops be creative and unique and I am dedicated to helping businesses build their brands and scale their business by creating affordable studio spaces. By making subleased spaces affordable, the business owner can put more money back into scaling their business with the hope to have a future independent brick and mortar store of their own. Read More>>

Quynn Red

I am being called to bring forth a side of myself that has been in the background up until now. I come from being rather shy, and over the decades I have taught myself, and learned from select others, how to engage with others in an bold and open hearted way. I am so grateful to have had so many deep interactions with people within the the vocation I have created over the last 25 years. Now, in my late 50’s, I am intrigued to explore my creativity and voice in ways I didn’t have the courage or confidence to do as a younger person. Now is the time for meaningful courage in sharing with others, and so I am encouraging this within myself, and we shall see what unfolds from it! Read More>>

Toi Henderson

I’m being called to step fully into the role of a leader and advocate in my community through my nonprofit, Muse Mentorship Collective. In the past, I shied away from putting myself out there whether it was public speaking, networking, or taking on the responsibility of leading a movement. I feared failure, criticism, and the pressure that comes with being “the face” of something bigger than myself. Read More>>

Dominque

I believe that I’m being called to step out of my comfort zone and embrace vulnerability in ways I previously avoided. There’s a part of me that has always feared taking risks—whether it’s in my career, relationships, or personal growth—but I’m realizing that those very fears are the barriers between me and the life I truly want. I’m being called to trust myself more, to face challenges head-on; even when things feel uncertain. It’s no longer about avoiding discomfort but leaning into it and allowing it to be the catalyst for growth. Read More>>

Ali McGuire

For most of my life, I was terrified of public speaking, singing in front of others, and mostly being seen. That was one of the reasons I chose my original career as an audio engineer: to stay in the background. To my shock and surprise, a few years ago, I was hit with the realization that I had to pursue a career in public speaking, which would include writing an album and being a music artist. Not only am I being called to do those things together, but I am being called to be fully, transparently vulnerable to help others enjoy their lives through awareness, accountability, curiosity, and the capacity to know that you can not only handle it all, but you can enjoy it. Read More>>

Velisa Woods

Letting go of the need to CONTROL and allowing SPIRIT to LEAD! Before now I would have been very hesitant to let go of controlling every aspect of my life and allowing myself to be free. When you realize that you are not in control of anything and allow your belief in your spirit guides and ancestors to lead the way only then will you receive what is meant for you. Read More>>

Author K. Reshay

I established Me Time Book Club in 2011. What started out as a women gathering, reading, and reviewing books has turned into a full blown nonprofit organization. Our nonprofit participates in community service and we also host book festivals.

I feel I’m being called to make this festival continue to happen for years to come. It’s extremely difficult and requires funding. It’s scary because you always run the risk of it not being successful each year. Read More>>

Stephanie Van Burk

What I’m being called to do now, which I was definitely afraid of before, is to step out visibly and boldly, simply as I am, without waiting for permission.

Coming from the fashion world, everything had to be polished and curated, and that fear of being anything less than perfect used to hold me back. Read More>>

Brashell Santos

I’m being called to take up space with my truth — out loud and unapologetically. For a long time, I was afraid to fully share my story and my voice. I thought I had to have it all figured out or wait for the “perfect moment.”

But now, I feel deeply called to create Mi Propia Voz — a project that’s raw, real, and rooted in my own transformation. It’s not about having all the answers, it’s about finally using my voice to connect, to heal, and to build a space where other women feel safe doing the same. Read More>>

Tiffani Thomas

Elevation. I consider myself the neighborhood tutor. Stepping into that next phase of success is the scariest part of elevation; it’s something about the unknown that holds you back from taking that next step. Having the courage to take things to the next level is already giving me that extra push I need. Elevation also requires me to change all the habits I’ve learned over the course of 33 years of my life; that’s the hardest part! Read More>>

Lina Shuliar

Right now, I’m learning to step into a role I’ve been putting off for a long time—managing my own brand, social media, and advertising. I’ve always focused on creating meaningful art and connecting with clients through the tattoo itself. But now, I’m expanding—learning more about myself, my public persona, and how to express who I am beyond just the artwork. Read More>>

Jack Abbott

I’m being called to slow down—and live the message, not just spread it.

For most of my life, I’ve been the guy behind the scenes helping others scale ideas: from launching digital agencies during the internet’s infancy to founding TEDxSanDiego, to building immersive tech for healing. My instinct has always been to serve, to mentor, to amplify. But lately, the invitation has shifted inward. Read More>>

Fernanda

I’m being called to stand fully in my truth not just as a creative or a chef, but as a whole woman. I used to be afraid of choosing stability, of committing to structure, because I thought it meant losing my freedom or my spark. But now I know that true freedom comes from feeling safe in my own skin and building a life that supports my essence, not one that constantly tests my survival. I’m being called to let go of the chaos, the constant reinvention, the fear of being “too much” or “not enough.” I’m ready to build something long-lasting — with both roots and wings. Read More>>

Jessica Maxson

For years, I had one foot in the corporate world and one foot in my entrepreneurial dreams. Since launching Simplified by Jess in 2017, I always kept a corporate job as my “safety net” – terrified of fully committing to my business. But twelve months ago, I finally took the leap and went all-in on Simplified. No more salary crutch, no more playing it safe. Read More>>

Lexi Ruckman

While we begin expanding Two Sisters with our first “brick and mortar” out of a shipping container, I feel called to growing our business in ways that we were once afraid to. While I think that the business model we relied on with the coffee truck worked well, we have learned that this business will be very different and will offer us so many more opportunities for growth, and we are really looking forward to that. Read More>>