We recently had the chance to connect with Irina Whitmer and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Irina, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: When was the last time you felt true joy?
Just a few minutes ago. No kidding. I believe that like attracts like, and what we focus on expands. Joy isn’t reserved for rare, extraordinary moments—it’s something we can access daily when we choose gratitude and notice both the big and small blessings in life.
When I recognize life’s everyday miracles—a peaceful walk in the woods with my husky Storm, the comfort of hot water for a shower, or a surprise text from an old friend—I tap into that frequency of pure joy. It’s an active choice to appreciate what we already have instead of drifting through life on autopilot and taking it for granted.
Of course, being human means we all have off days—and that’s okay. The key isn’t to push those feelings away or shame yourself for them, but to acknowledge them with compassion. Then, when you’re ready, shift your focus to something—anything—that is going right. That small step opens the door back to gratitude, and gratitude always leads me straight back to joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am passionate about empowering self-image from the inside out. With over 15 years of coaching experience, I help individuals who feel stuck because of self-image and confidence blocks. My unique approach blends creative, authentic photography with transformative empowerment coaching to unlock both inner belief and outward presence.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology of Management, am a professionally certified coach through the World Coach Institute, and am certified in Free-Me™ EFT as well as the ThetaHealing® technique. For more than eight years, I’ve also spoken publicly on topics related to self-worth, visibility, and personal power.
Outside of work, I am a passionate traveler, having explored 17 countries alongside my Navy husband. When I’m not coaching or behind the camera, you’ll usually find me in a yoga class or walking long trails with my Siberian husky, Storm.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Wow—it was hard to remember one. The truth is, I didn’t feel powerful for a very long time. I was overweight, deeply insecure in my own body, and weighed down by too many ‘shoulds’ and ‘shouldn’ts.’ That’s why the earliest memory I can recall of feeling powerful was at 13, when I finally stood up to a bully at summer camp. The rest of that camp felt completely different – lighter somehow.
For me, feeling powerful wasn’t something that just appeared one day—it’s been the result of years of intentional inner work. I was blessed to have incredible mentors along the way, the support of true friends, and later, the unwavering belief of my husband. They all held faith in me during times when I couldn’t see my own strength. Over time, I realized that power isn’t a one-and-done moment—it’s a continuous skill we can build and expand throughout life.
Later in life, through the team at YU2SHINE, I learned about the concept of powerless → powerful → empowering—the stages we move through as we grow. It deeply resonated with me, because by that time I had already created Empowered by Irina, LLC. When I reflected on what I wanted my business to stand for, “empowering” spoke to me more than anything else. From that point on, empowerment wasn’t just personal—it became the core of how I serve others.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes! When I was not even 20, my best friend and I applied for a job at a call center for a well-known cellular provider. We both did well during the paid training and trial period, but we struggled to connect with the rest of the team. Because my friend and I were so close, we tended to keep to ourselves during breaks, and over time, the atmosphere grew uncomfortable.
Eventually, my friend decided to quit, and that left me with a difficult choice: walk away from a job I really liked or stay and face the discomfort we had unintentionally created. I even handed in my notice—but at the very last moment, I took it back. Two important people—my brother and my current mentor—played a huge role in encouraging me to stay. Their support gave me the strength to reconsider, but ultimately, it was still my decision to make. It wasn’t an easy one, which made me that much prouder of myself for choosing courage.
After an initial adjustment period of standing on my own, I began to genuinely enjoy working with my colleagues. Six months later, I was promoted to supervisor of that very same team I had once felt so uncomfortable with! Looking back, I’m deeply grateful I didn’t give up early on, because that role taught me invaluable skills—communication, peer training, and leadership—that later became the foundation for my own business.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The freedom to be yourself and to make your own choices, as long as they don’t harm others. I believe everyone deserves the space to express their truth without judgment or pressure to conform.
For me, inclusion means not only accepting differences but celebrating them. Each person’s uniqueness and individuality add richness to the world, and when we honor that, we create environments where people feel safe, seen, and empowered.
At the heart of my work is the belief that true confidence comes from embracing who you are—not who you think you’re supposed to be. Protecting that freedom of choice and celebrating individuality is how I aim to create a ripple effect of empowerment for others.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I “let go and let God”—or rather, “let go and trust God.”
I’ve learned that we’re not responsible for the outcome; we’re responsible for our actions and the effort we put in. Once we’ve created or contributed all we can—whether in business or in life (or better yet, as we’re creating it)—it’s time to release attachment to the result and trust that God will bring it to fruition in the most aligned timing and form. It may unfold exactly as we envisioned or, often, in ways far better than we could have imagined. This is one of the life-changing concepts I learned through the incredible team at YU2SHINE.
One of my favorite yoga instructors, Gary Hart, at Spiritual Essence Yoga & Wellness (SEY), often shares a quote by Ajahn Chah before class that perfectly captures this idea:
“Try to do everything with a mind that lets go. Do not expect any praise or reward. If you let go a little, you will have a little peace. If you let go a lot, you will have a lot of peace. If you let go completely, you will know complete peace and freedom. Your struggle with the world will have come to an end.”
I think that beautifully summarizes what peace truly is—the freedom that comes from trusting divine timing and allowing life to unfold.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://empoweredbyirina.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irina.whitmer
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irinawhitmer
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/irina-whitmer-photography-upper-marlboro-5
- Other: Second Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/irinawhitmerphotography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
