Zollyann Howell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Zollyann, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt true joy was this past summer on a trip to Disney with my kids for my oldest daughter’s birthday. Honestly, it was more than just a birthday celebration. It was one of the first trips in a long time where it was just us, fully present with each other. We laughed, shared meals, built memories and I felt so connected to them in a way I hadn’t in a while.
Seeing my kids genuinely happy and hearing their laughter was magical. Not because it was Disney, but because we had each other and we were just… in the moment. That trip healed a piece of my own childhood too. It reminded me that true joy isn’t about big events or perfect plans, it’s about connection, love and really being present with the people who matter most.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an author, educator, and entrepreneur, and my work centers around helping kids and the adults in their lives grow, learn, and feel seen. I’ve written books that have reached international audiences, been a six-time Amazon bestseller and have shared my stories with families around the world, but my brand is really about connection, growth and intentional living.
What makes my work special is that it’s rooted in real experiences, my wins, my losses, and everything I’ve learned along the way. I focus on creating meaningful experiences for children and families, whether through books, networking events, workshops, virtual learning programs or coaching entrepreneurs. I love helping business owners grow their brands, refine their strategies and amplify their voices so they can reach the people they’re meant to impact.
Right now, I’m building initiatives that help kids explore their creativity, develop confidence and discover their voices, while showing parents how to nurture those qualities intentionally through my business ZAM Learning Academy. At the heart of it all, my brand isn’t just about teaching, coaching or selling a product, it’s about inspiring others to grow, heal and create moments of joy in their everyday lives. That’s what drives me and what I hope resonates with everyone I get to connect with.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is my relationship with God. There have been moments in my life where it felt like everything I knew, everything I had built, was being stripped away from me. I hit rock bottom in ways I never imagined and at the time, it felt painful, unfair and isolating. But what I’ve learned is that God wasn’t breaking me, He was preparing me.
Those moments of loss and struggle forced me to focus on Him, to trust Him fully and to lean into faith in a way I never had before. What I thought was meant to break me actually saved my life. It strengthened my resilience, shaped my character and gave me clarity about my purpose. Today, my relationship with God is the foundation of everything I do, how I show up as a mother, an educator, a creator, a coach and a leader. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without it.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The defining wounds of my life have been moments where I felt stripped of everything, relationships, stability and even my sense of self. Two of the hardest were going through a custody battle that almost broke me and walking away from a successful business I had built because it wasn’t what God called me to do. Both experiences shook me to my core, leaving me questioning my strength, my purpose and if I would ever feel whole again.
Healing came through a combination of faith, self-reflection and intentional growth. My relationship with God became my anchor, guiding me to trust, persevere and see beyond the immediate pain. I leaned into my own creativity, my work and my children, focusing on moments of connection, joy, and purpose. I learned to embrace the pain as part of my story, to forgive myself and others and to rebuild my life intentionally, brick by brick.
What I’ve realized is that those wounds didn’t define me, they prepared me. They taught me resilience, compassion and the value of staying connected to what truly matters. Today, I use those experiences not only to live a more intentional life for myself and my family.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to creating spaces that serve families and women in need, no matter how long it takes. As a single mom, I know firsthand how life can feel overwhelming without the right support and resources. That’s why one of my biggest dreams is to have my own school building, where I can provide high quality education and guidance for children and families who need it most.
Equally important is establishing a community center that offers a safe, supportive space for women and families somewhere they can access resources, mentorship and programs to help them thrive. I’ve already had women share how my books have helped them through postpartum depression, personal struggles, and so many other challenges and that has reinforced how vital this work is.
For me, this isn’t just a project, it’s a calling. I want to create environments that empower, uplift and nurture because I know how life changing it can be to feel supported and seen. No matter how long it takes, I’m committed to bringing these dreams to life and serving the people who need it most.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as someone who never gave up, someone who faced life’s hardest challenges and came out stronger, wiser and more compassionate. I want them to see that I lived intentionally, loved deeply and fought fiercely for my children while also nurturing them with love and care.
I hope they tell the story of a woman whose faith was her foundation, whose resilience inspired others and whose love extended beyond her family to the books she wrote, the children she taught and the communities she served. I loved deeply, I loved learning and I loved helping others grow, heal and find their space in this world. Most of all, I hope they remember that I used my experiences, both the wins and the losses, to lift others up, create connection and leave the world a little brighter than I found it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/bossbabemove?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=96dcdd3c-86dd-44f2-90c1-8349f23a53aa
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/zoll_inreallife
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zollyann-howell-8b86a522a
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054485405970
Image Credits
Jlavii Photography
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