Meet Barbara Gianquitto

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

Barbara, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I first discovered my purpose as a young teen when I wrote my very first book, “Portrait of a Teenager,” which was an exploration of self and identity. Even back then, I felt a calling to express the complexities of our inner worlds, though I didn’t fully understand where it might lead me. Years later, after experiencing the profound heartbreak of a painful divorce, I came to realize that my voice, my words, were meant for more than just personal reflection—they were a way to help others find light and resilience in their own struggles.

This period of intense vulnerability showed me the true power of shared humanity. As I faced my own pain, I saw how deeply we are all connected through our stories, our hopes, and our hardships. In sharing my journey through books like “Awakening of the Heart” and “Mirrors of Time,” I was not only helping others but also strengthening myself. Writing became my path to healing, both for myself and for those who resonated with my words. Through workshops and books, I discovered that my purpose is to be a guide, using my voice to foster a sense of hope and community. It’s through this shared humanity that I found—and continue to find—strength, purpose, and connection.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my story! My journey as an author and healing guide began when I was a young teen, writing my first book, “Portrait of a Teenager.” That experience sparked a lifelong drive in me to explore self-discovery, healing, and connection through words. After navigating the pain of a difficult divorce, I truly understood my purpose: to use my voice to connect, uplift, and inspire others as they navigate their own challenges.

Professionally, I’m focused on creating books and workshops that delve into universal themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience. Each project is a deeply personal endeavor, and what excites me most is seeing how my work resonates with readers and workshop participants, encouraging them to find strength and self-compassion within themselves. My latest book, “I Hope You Know: Words for Clarity and Purpose,” releases on November 11th. It’s a special collection of 111 poems written to bring hope, courage, and clarity to readers, and it honors the powerful master number 111—a symbol of new beginnings.

I’m also already at work on a new book set for 2025 that will explore the idea of universal connection, which I believe is at the heart of all healing. Alongside my career, I have two young daughters, who are a profound part of my purpose. A big piece of my mission is to break generational trauma by raising strong, independent young women and providing them with the unconditional love I didn’t experience in my own formative years. My hope is to inspire a sense of resilience and inner peace in them—and in everyone I have the honor to reach—by showing that we can all find healing and light, even in the hardest moments.

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

Looking back, I’d say three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: the power of communication, a deep empathy for others, and a commitment to self-healing. With a degree in communication, I’ve always been drawn to the power of words—they’ve been a natural magnet and my go-to tool for understanding and expressing the world around me. This foundation helped me see how words can shape perspectives, bring comfort, and create connection.

The second quality has been my desire to help others, which led me to become a certified Reiki healer. This background in energy healing taught me the importance of compassion, of seeing people in their full humanity and meeting them where they are. When combined with my passion for writing, it felt natural to channel these healing intentions into my books of poetry, where each word holds the intention to uplift, heal, or inspire.

Lastly, my journey wouldn’t be complete without self-healing. Overcoming my own challenges taught me that healing is not linear, and it’s okay to embrace every part of the process. To anyone early in their journey, I’d say: start with curiosity. Explore the power of words—journal, read widely, or write your thoughts. Build empathy by listening deeply to others and practicing self-compassion. And commit to your healing; it’s a lifelong journey that will only deepen your work. Combining these elements helped me turn my experiences into books that now reach and resonate with others, and I believe the same approach can help anyone find their path and purpose.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

One book that has profoundly influenced my development is “There Is No Such Place as Far Away” by Richard Bach. It’s a beautifully simple yet powerful story that taught me how our perspectives shape our experiences. One of the most impactful messages in the book is the reminder that the things that truly matter are made of love and light, and that physical distance is insignificant when there’s a deep emotional or spiritual connection.

This idea of interpreting events through a lens of love and possibility has stayed with me, especially during challenging times. Bach’s message helped me see that what may seem distant, whether it’s people, dreams, or even parts of ourselves, can still be profoundly close and impactful when viewed with an open heart. This wisdom has not only influenced my writing but has also guided how I approach relationships, healing, and my purpose in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.barbaragianquitto.com
• Instagram: @barbara.gianquitto.author
• Facebook: @BarbaraNGianquitto
• Youtube: @Barbaragianquitto
• Other: TikTok @Barbara.Gianquitto