Meet Neena Perez

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Neena Perez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Neena below.

Neena, 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?

My resilience isn’t just a result of the struggles I’ve endured—it’s the divine strength and purpose behind each obstacle that has shaped me into the woman I am today. You see, resilience doesn’t come from comfort; it comes from being tested in the fire of hardship, and I’ve been through my share of it. Growing up with domestic violence, becoming a mother at 15, and navigating homelessness while raising another child at 21—those weren’t just life experiences; they were the crucibles that refined me.

I wasn’t supposed to make it. Statistically, I should’ve been another story of someone crushed under the weight of life. But I didn’t just survive—I thrived. And I can say with every ounce of confidence, it’s because God had His hands on my life. He allowed me to face these challenges, not to destroy me, but to build me. That’s where my resilience comes from. Every sleepless night staring at the ceiling and moment of wondering how I would make it prepared me for the woman I’ve become—a fierce, unstoppable coach who knows exactly what it takes to rise above.

But here’s the truth: resilience doesn’t just happen. You’ve got to be self-aware. You have to make a conscious decision that you will not be a victim no matter what life throws at you. I chose not to be defined by the pain, the poverty, or the circumstances. I decided to be a victor, not a victim. That’s what rising above all the crap life throws at you looks like—taking responsibility for your own life and choosing to fight for a better future. Because we’re not promised tomorrow, and today has to count.

So when people ask, “Where does your resilience come from?” I tell them: It’s a partnership between divine strength and my decision not to quit. God gave me the challenges, but He also gave me the strength to break through. You don’t just bounce back from adversity; you grow through it. That’s where the grit comes in. And now, that same resilience is what I teach others to tap into. Because like me, they’re more powerful than they ever imagined.

I’ve been sharpened, built in the shadows, and now I’m stepping into the light. I’m not just another story of survival; I’m living proof of what happens when grace, grit, and the conscious decision to rise collide.

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?

What I do is help purpose-driven women who are transitioning in their lives and are ready to make an impact in the world. These women are leaders in their own right—strong, talented, and full of wisdom—but now they want to take those God-given gifts, talents, and skills and turn them into an impactful coaching business. I guide them from concept to launch, helping them create a business that aligns with their values and allows them to serve others while building a life they truly love.

What excites me most is seeing these women step into their power. They come to me with a vision of something bigger—a desire to live with purpose and make a difference—and I help them turn that vision into reality. Whether it’s through mindset work, branding, marketing strategies, or operational planning, we work together to build something meaningful and profitable. This isn’t just about starting a business—it’s about creating a legacy.

With my brand, Straight Talk No Sugar Added, and my coaching at NeenaPerez.com, I give women the tools and strategies they need to transform their lives and their businesses. There’s no fluff here—just real, actionable steps to help them take what they already know and turn it into something that has a lasting impact.

I’m also excited to announce new workshops and events that will focus on helping these women through every stage of their journey, from idea to launch. Whether they need help with honing their message, building a brand, or setting up systems that work, I’m here to guide them every step of the way.

If you’re ready to create a coaching business that’s aligned with your purpose and designed to make an impact, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll take your vision, turn it into a plan, and bring it to life so you can serve others while building a life and business you’re proud of.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, self-awareness, and strategic thinking, all of which align perfectly with the WIN method I created to help keep my focus and drive results.

First, resilience. Life will throw you curveballs, and you have to decide whether you’re going to let them knock you down or if you’re going to get back up every single time. I’ve faced more than my fair share of hardships, but my refusal to stay down is what kept me moving forward. My advice to anyone early in their journey? Build resilience like a muscle. Don’t shy away from challenges—they’re there to strengthen you. Embrace the setbacks because they’re shaping you for what’s ahead.

Second, self-awareness. You’ve got to know who you are, what drives you, and what’s holding you back. This is where the W in the WIN method comes in: What’s Important Now. Self-awareness allows you to prioritize and focus on the most important actions in the present moment. I had to get clear about my strengths, my struggles, and the stories I was telling myself that were keeping me stuck. My advice? Take time to reflect and ask yourself what truly matters right now. The more self-aware you are, the easier it is to make decisions that align with your purpose and goals.

Next is strategic thinking—this has been a game-changer for me, especially when managing ADHD and slight dyslexia. Here’s where the I of the WIN method kicks in: Intentional Action. You need to be laser-focused and deliberate with every step you take. For me, it’s not just about working harder but working smarter. I’ve created systems that keep me on track, because distractions are real. My advice? Be intentional with your time and actions. Get crystal clear on your goals and prioritize the steps that will make the biggest impact. Intentional action ensures that every move you make brings you closer to where you want to be.

Lastly, there’s N: Next-Level Thinking. This is where you stop playing small and start thinking about your growth in terms of what’s possible, not just what’s practical. I’ve learned always to think ahead and push myself beyond my comfort zone. For those early in their journey, I say: dream big and always aim for the next level. Don’t just focus on the immediate, but constantly stretch yourself to innovate, improve, and grow.

If you’re just starting out, remember this: resilience will keep you in the game, self-awareness will guide your decisions, and intentional strategy—through the WIN method—will get you where you want to go. Develop these, and no matter the challenges you face, you’ll find a way to rise above.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client is a purpose-driven woman who knows deep down that she was created for more. She has faith, believes in God, and understands that He has placed unique gifts, talents, and a calling on her life. She’s not just looking to succeed—she’s looking to fulfill her God-given purpose and make a meaningful impact in the world.

She’s a leader in her own way, whether in her career, her community, or her family, but now she’s at a point where she’s ready to step into something greater. She wants to align her business, her life, and her purpose with her faith, knowing that God has bigger plans for her. She’s seeking guidance to build something that reflects not just her skills, but her heart and values.

My ideal client is willing to do the work, but she also knows she doesn’t have to do it alone. She’s ready for someone to push her, hold her accountable, and give her the strategies to break through to the next level. She values honesty, clarity, and direct feedback, because she’s not here for sugarcoating or shortcuts—she’s here for real, lasting transformation.

If you’re reading this and you feel that pull—that inner knowing that God has placed something bigger in your heart—you’re exactly who I’m speaking to. You believe that you’re made for more, and you’re ready to take action, guided by faith, to create a life and business that honors the purpose God has given you.

If you’re ready to step out in faith, take intentional action, and build something that aligns with who you are and what you believe, then we’re a perfect match. Let’s walk this journey together and turn your vision into the reality God has called you to create.

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Neena Perez

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