Meet Cynthia Sapp

 

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

Cynthia, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Growing up, I was compelled to develop resilience at a tender age. Life’s circumstances dictated that I become independent early on, and this was a necessity rather than a choice. My formative years were a whirlwind of responsibilities that included learning to cook, clean and do laundry while still very young. Watching over my siblings and cousins became a routine part of my life, and by the age of thirteen, I had already embarked on the journey of work, taking on various jobs to support myself and helping my mother.
The transient nature of my childhood meant that I moved around frequently, living with different family members and grandparents. This instability could have been overwhelming, but it was significantly mitigated by the constant presence and guidance of my grandmother Rae, my mom’s mom. Grandma Rae provided the much-needed stability and direction in my life. She introduced me to the world of ballet and tap dancing, instilling in me a sense of discipline and appreciation for the arts.
As I transitioned into my teenage years, my involvement in Jobs Daughters, an organization associated with the Masons, became a pivotal part of my life. My grandfather, who eventually became a grand mason, and my grandmother Rae, an active member of the Eastern Star, were influential figures in this aspect. They both embodied the values of dedication and community service, which deeply influenced me.
Grandma Rae was more than just a grandmother; she was my mentor and my biggest supporter. Her unwavering belief in my abilities and her constant encouragement were the bedrock of my self-esteem. She would often tell me that I could achieve anything I set my mind to, a mantra that resonated with me throughout my life. Her support was a beacon of light during the darkest times, and her presence filled my life with warmth and love.
Adulthood brought its own set of challenges. I endured rough relationships characterized by verbal, mental, and physical abuse. These experiences were harrowing, but they also contributed to my growth and resilience. Balancing a full-time job while raising two sons and pursuing higher education was no easy feat. I worked tirelessly to obtain an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, driven by the desire to secure a better future for myself and my children.
In addition to my academic pursuits, and with my mother and my relationship growing she encouraged me to join her in a theater group called Northwest Savoyards, in Everett, WA where she and I found solace and fulfillment in community theater, where I worked as a stage manager. This role taught me invaluable skills in managing others and orchestrating complex productions. The theater became a sanctuary where I could express myself creatively and build a supportive network.
The journey of overcoming life’s obstacles has been arduous but profoundly rewarding. Each challenge I faced, from childhood responsibilities to abusive relationships and the struggle to balance work, education, and parenting, has shaped me into a stronger and wiser individual. The resilience I cultivated from a young age has been the cornerstone of my personal growth, enabling me to navigate life’s tumultuous seas with grace and determination.
Looking back, every trial and tribulation was a stepping stone towards becoming a better person. The lessons learned along the way have endowed me with a profound sense of empathy, perseverance, and a relentless drive to keep moving forward. My journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering belief that, with determination and support, one can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
As I reflect on my life, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the influential figures who have shaped me, especially my grandmother Rae. Her legacy of love, support, and unyielding belief in my potential continues to inspire and motivate me. I carry her lessons and her spirit with me, knowing that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to, just as she always believed.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My career has been a dynamic journey centered around growth, development, and resilience. As a project manager in the wireless industry, I am constantly striving to develop new skills and gain the experience necessary to transition into a program manager role, with the ultimate goal of becoming a director at a company. This ambitious path reflects my dedication to professional growth and my determination to lead and innovate within my field.
In June of 2024, I embarked on a new venture by starting my podcast, “Anything N’ Everything Podcast.” The inspiration came during a period of unemployment after leaving a toxic job. During this time, I realized I needed to focus on something fulfilling and meaningful for myself. I overheard a conversation about starting a podcast, and it struck a chord with me. With a love for engaging in all kinds of discussions, I decided to launch my podcast.

Initially, I had a co-host, but she soon found that podcasting was not for her. Another friend offered to co-host but had scheduling conflicts that made it impossible. Faced with these challenges, I decided to go solo. The beginning was tough: I doubted myself and struggled to learn the technical aspects of recording and editing episodes.
Within the podcast community on Instagram, I connected with a friend named Farrah. She became a valuable mentor, offering encouragement and guidance. With Farrah’s support, we revamped my podcast and decided on a fresh start, renaming it to the “Coven of Curiosities.” She provided clear instructions on what needed to be done, and I followed through, leading to significant improvements.

Today, my podcast is thriving. It brings me immense joy to make others smile and share in their happiness by telling their experiences through stories. If my podcast reaches out to someone and encourages them, is a resource, a mentor, there for someone, or just makes someone laugh and smile, then I have done my job as a creator & someone who has a very big heart. Additionally, I created a segment called “Coven of Curiosities Short Stories,” which has been incredibly therapeutic. Creating these stories allows me to delve into my imagination and explore new worlds.

Through my professional journey, the creation and evolution of my podcast, and my future aspirations, I am committed to “thinking outside of the box” and staying ahead. Each step I take brings me closer to my ultimate goals, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

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

When I look back, I see a young girl, a teenager, and a woman who has overcome many obstacles in life, whether personal or professional. I looked ahead and walked with my head held high, saying, “I know the person I am. I am kind, I care deeply, and I love to be there for others.” With that, I have learned that I need to be kind, care deeply, and be there for myself as well, to become a better person and, in turn, a better person to others.

I am human, and I do make mistakes. However, I accept my mistakes, own up to them, and apologize for my wrongdoings. As individuals, we all grow in different ways; some people grow quickly, and others do not. Either way, it is important to tell someone you are proud of them, support them, and encourage others to improve themselves positively.
Being a mentor for someone who may be struggling and lifting them, rather than seeing them as a competitor, is crucial. I have been a mentor to some in my professional career, and I am now a mentor in my journey of podcasting. I love to see people be successful, grow, and witness their hearts glow with happiness.

It is an amazing feeling when you can make someone smile, laugh, and cry happy tears. All in all, it is important to remember that everyone feels, sees, and hears differently. So, when starting, I encourage others to find someone who is a positive influence, someone who will listen, or be a mentor in your life. Just remember, we need to be kind, patient, caring, encouraging, loving, and sometimes a little firm, and it’s only because we care. But most of all, be humble. Remember where you came from when you started. Being humble is a sign of growth and wisdom and I am humbled and thankful every day, even when it’s hard.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

In my professional and podcasting journey, I am always eager to collaborate with others. Unfortunately, it remains a challenge for women to attain higher positions in companies compared to men. Despite these obstacles, I encourage women to empower each other rather than view one another as threats or competitors. Hold yourself with dignity and respect.

This sentiment extends to collaboration within the podcast community. Instead of feeling threatened by new podcasters, reach out to them, offer resources, listen to their episodes, and provide constructive and honest feedback. Veteran podcasters should not feel intimidated by newcomers; remember, success is defined by your hard work, personality, and authenticity.

I am keen to work with others who share my views on collaboration. Let us be co-hosts or guests on each other’s shows or episodes, promote each other’s work, and celebrate each other’s successes. Whether it’s advertising a podcast or highlighting an upcoming episode, kindness and support go a long way.

I have supported many at the start of their journeys, and I have learned to avoid associating with those who are negative or discouraging. I know how it feels, and it does not feel good.

If you are interested in collaborating with me professionally, through clothing line ideas, podcasting, or writing, please reach out. I hope to one day compile my short stories into a book series. You can contact me via email at [email protected].

Together, let us build a community of support, respect, and shared success.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Cynthia Sapp, Host of Coven of Curiosities & Short Stories
Rae Deene Smith, Cyndi’s gram
Lynn Smith, Cyndi’s grandpa
David Sapp, Cyndi’s brother
Cyndi’s little girl pic, taken by Cyndi’s great-grandfather

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