We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leslie Jordan Garcia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leslie below.
Leslie, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Growing up, I often felt like I was swimming upstream, constantly trying to conform to appearance standards that never included me. Whether it was my natural hair, my fuller body, or even just the way I moved through the world, I always felt like I wasn’t “enough” or I was “too much”. It was a lot because I am a gregarious extrovert and was always trying to meet people and fit in! I spent years trying to shrink myself—physically, emotionally, and mentally—to fit into spaces that weren’t designed for me.
The turning point came when I realized how much time and energy I was wasting trying to be someone I wasn’t. I started questioning why I believed my worth was tied to my appearance. It wasn’t an overnight change, but I began unlearning those harmful narratives and replacing them with self-compassion. I read books, sought therapy, and found communities that celebrated people like me. Most importantly, I committed to aligning my actions with my values of equity and liberation.
Today, this journey has transformed every part of my life. I show up authentically in spaces that once felt unwelcoming. My relationships are deeper and more meaningful because I’ve stopped hiding pieces of myself. My work thrives because I’m passionate about helping others find this same freedom. Confidence and self-esteem didn’t come from achieving perfection—they came from embracing who I am and knowing that’s more than enough.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m thrilled to share the work I do at Liberati Wellness, where I coach clients in eating disorder recovery and body liberation while also consulting with businesses to embed social justice and inclusive wellness practices. My passion lies in helping people connect with their bodies, move past societal pressures, and embrace a life filled with joy, peace, and authenticity.
This year is especially exciting with the upcoming launches of two transformative programs: Beyond Body Grief and LEAP.
Beyond Body Grief is a 16-week group coaching journey designed for women who are ready to heal the pain caused by body image struggles and societal expectations. Using my EMPOWER framework, we’ll dive into the root causes of body grief and rebuild a foundation of acceptance, resilience, and self-worth. This program is all about stepping into your power and reclaiming the joy you deserve.
LEAP (Liberation, Empowerment, Acceptance, Peace) is a self-paced body liberation course that integrates movement exploration with mindset shifts. It’s not about fixing your body—it’s about celebrating it. The course combines evidence-based practices with my unique philosophy to help participants find freedom and joy in movement.
What makes my work special is its inclusivity and depth. My programs are designed to uplift those often left out of the wellness conversation—BIPOC, LGBTQ+, fat, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals. I approach healing through a social justice lens, emphasizing compassion and community every step of the way.
If you’re a corporate leader, I also offer wellness education and consulting to create more inclusive, equitable workplaces. Businesses thrive when their people thrive, and embedding social justice into wellness practices benefits employees and companies alike.
Whether you’re an individual ready to find body peace or a business aiming to make a meaningful impact, Liberati Wellness is here to help you take the next step toward liberation and well-being. Stay tuned for more on these launches, and join us as we redefine what it means to thrive!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities have been absolutely transformative in my journey: resilience, self-compassion, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Resilience
Resilience helped me push through moments when societal standards or setbacks made me question my worth. It’s about knowing that struggles don’t define you and finding the strength to keep going. For those early in their journey, I recommend starting small: celebrate your wins, no matter how tiny, and remind yourself that every step forward matters. Surround yourself with people and resources that uplift you—your environment makes a huge difference.
Self-Compassion
Learning to treat myself with the same kindness I extend to others was life-changing. Self-compassion allowed me to unlearn the harsh, critical voice that told me I wasn’t good enough. For beginners, start by noticing your self-talk. When you catch yourself being overly critical, ask, “Would I say this to a friend?” Practice replacing those thoughts with affirmations or even neutral observations about yourself.
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Being open to learning, unlearning, and relearning has been crucial in my personal and professional growth. It’s not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about staying curious and adaptable. For anyone starting out, find topics that excite you and invest time in exploring them. Read books, attend workshops, or listen to podcasts, but also be willing to challenge outdated beliefs and stay open to new perspectives.
Advice for Early in the Journey:
Be patient: Growth takes time, and setbacks are part of the process.
Seek support: Whether through mentors, peers, or professional help, having a support system can make all the difference.
Take action: Even small, consistent steps create momentum. You don’t need to have it all figured out to start.
Remember, the most important part of the journey is showing up for yourself—over and over again. That’s where transformation happens.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I’m always open to partnering or collaborating with individuals and organizations who share a commitment to equity, inclusion, and holistic well-being. At Liberati Wellness, I believe in the power of collaboration to amplify impact and create meaningful change.
Who I’m Looking to Collaborate With
Wellness Professionals: Movement instructors, therapists, dietitians, and other experts interested in creating inclusive, accessible, and shame-free wellness experiences.
Social Justice Advocates: Individuals or organizations working at the intersections of equity, diversity, and wellness to dismantle systemic barriers and create lasting change.
Corporate Leaders: Companies ready to embed social justice practices in their wellness programs and foster cultures of belonging and inclusion.
Community Organizations: Groups focused on supporting marginalized populations, especially in areas of body liberation, eating disorder recovery, or inclusive wellness.
Creative Thinkers: Writers, podcasters, and content creators passionate about spreading messages of empowerment, body acceptance, and social justice.
How to Connect
If this resonates with you and you’d like to explore how we can work together, I’d love to hear from you! You can connect with me through my website, LiberatiWellness.com, or email me directly at [email protected]
Let’s start a conversation about how we can combine our expertise and passions to make a bigger impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LiberatiWellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liberatiwellness/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liberatiwellness/
Image Credits
Minerva Silva, photog
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
