Meet Gina Kunadian

We recently connected with Gina Kunadian and have shared our conversation below.

Gina, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Reflecting on my journey to developing confidence and self-esteem, I realize it has been a profound transformation, deeply rooted in overcoming personal adversities. From a tender age of six, I grappled with childhood trauma, which ingrained a profound sense of insecurity within me. Growing up, I battled self-hatred, perceiving myself as unworthy and unattractive. This negative self-image led me to constantly seek approval from others, be it classmates or relationships, but unfortunately, this path often led to more pain and abuse, such as the harrowing experience with my first boyfriend, which necessitated a restraining order.

As I navigated through broken friendships and relationships, I sought refuge in alcohol and drugs, mistakenly believing they could mask my insecurities and fill the void within. Alcohol, in particular, gave me a false sense of confidence, a dangerous illusion that propelled me further down a path of self-destruction. This period was marked by a series of devastating lows: the collapse of my first marriage, the heart-wrenching experience of losing custody of my children, and a moment where I lost all hope, leading to a suicide attempt.

My turning point came when I hit rock bottom. In that moment of utter despair, I found myself crying out to God for help, pleading for a way out of the darkness that had engulfed my life. The wake-up call was stark and life-altering – being hospitalized and confronted with the reality that my life would be cut short if I didn’t renounce alcohol. It was a stark choice: continue down this destructive path or choose to rebuild myself from the ground up.

Choosing the latter, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing. In 2017, I embraced sobriety, a decision that became the cornerstone of my transformation. Recognizing the need for external support, I sought the guidance of a mindset coach, who was also a fitness trainer. This proved to be one of the best decisions of my life. My coach helped me navigate through the labyrinth of my thoughts and emotions, teaching me the power of reframing my mindset and altering my self-dialogue.

I committed to a holistic approach to healing, incorporating not just mental and spiritual practices but also focusing on physical well-being. I understood the importance of nurturing a body I had learned to love and respect. This included adopting healthy eating habits and engaging in activities like hiking that rejuvenated both my body and soul. I realized that to heal, I needed to love and accept my body in its entirety.

As my journey progressed, I focused intensely on my spiritual growth. I delved deep into understanding my purpose on this earth, which shifted my perspective on life and my role in it. This spiritual awakening helped me cultivate a sense of inner peace and a newfound love for myself. Trusting myself became easier, and as I did, the world around me began to transform. Life started to align more with my true essence.

A pivotal part of my growth involved visualizing my future self – imagining how she would carry herself, communicate, and engage with the world. This practice wasn’t just a daydream; it was an active shaping of my reality based on the person I aspired to be. Every step, every decision, was made with this vision in mind.

Today, as I reflect on this journey, I see a woman who has emerged stronger, wiser, and more confident. The road wasn’t easy, but every challenge, every setback was an opportunity to learn and grow. My story is a testament to the fact that even in our darkest moments, there is always a path to light, healing, and transformation.

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?
My professional journey is deeply interwoven with my personal story of transformation and resilience. I am a dedicated women’s alcohol-free sobriety coach, passionately guiding women on their paths to overcoming alcohol dependency. My approach is unique as it steers away from traditional methods like AA, focusing instead on individual empowerment, mindset shifts, and holistic healing.

The core of my work lies in helping women rediscover their inner strength and potential, which often gets overshadowed by their struggles with alcohol. I believe in creating a safe, nurturing space where they can openly address their challenges and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. What makes my approach exciting and special is the blend of personal experience and professional expertise. Having triumphed over my own battles with alcoholism, I bring empathy, understanding, and real-life insights to the table, which resonates deeply with my clients.

My brand is all about transformation – not just abstaining from alcohol, but embracing a lifestyle that fosters mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It’s about creating a life where joy, clarity, and purpose replace the void that alcohol once filled.

Regarding new developments, I am thrilled about the launch of several initiatives designed to support women on their sobriety journey. This includes my “SHINE Full-Day VIP Awakening” program, a deep-dive, one-on-one session that empowers women to uncover their true potential in a supportive environment. Additionally, my “6-month 1:1 SHINE Coaching” offers personalized support and strategies for navigating the sobriety path with confidence.

I am also excited about my “Overcoming Challenges Mini Course,” which equips individuals with practical tools and strategies to overcome life’s obstacles with ease. These programs are close to my heart as they encapsulate the essence of my mission – to guide and support women in transforming their lives and finding their true shine.

Above all, I want people to know that my brand isn’t just about sobriety; it’s about embarking on a transformative journey to rediscover and reclaim one’s life. It’s about building a community of strong, empowered women who support and uplift each other. For anyone looking to connect with me or learn more about my work, they can visit my website or reach out to me directly. I am always open to connecting with new individuals and exploring how I can support them on their journey to a healthier, happier life.

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?
Reflecting on my journey, both personally and professionally, there are three key qualities that have been pivotal in my growth and success:

1. Resilience: My life has been a testament to the power of resilience. Overcoming addiction and rebuilding my life taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardships, but also about finding the strength to rise again with a renewed sense of purpose. For anyone starting their journey, I’d advise focusing on building resilience. This doesn’t mean you won’t falter or feel overwhelmed; it means developing the capacity to recover quickly and keep moving forward.
2. Empathy: In my role as a sobriety coach, empathy has been crucial. Understanding and genuinely connecting with the struggles, fears, and hopes of others have enabled me to provide effective support and guidance. For those early in their journey, especially in service-oriented professions, cultivating empathy is key. It involves active listening, openness, and the willingness to view situations from others’ perspectives.
3. Continuous Learning: The field of sobriety coaching and personal development is ever-evolving. Staying informed about new techniques, research, and insights has been essential in offering the best support to my clients. To those at the beginning of their careers, I recommend embracing a mindset of lifelong learning. This could mean formal education, self-study, attending workshops, or simply being open to new experiences and ideas.

To develop these qualities, it’s important to put yourself in situations where they can be practiced and refined. Seek challenges, offer help, engage with diverse groups of people, and never stop asking questions. Remember, growth is a continuous process, and these qualities will evolve and deepen over time, enriching both your personal and professional life.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Reflecting on the past year, my biggest area of growth has been the development and evolution of my podcast, ‘Shine Within.’ This journey has been a remarkable testament to the power of self-belief and continuous learning.

For 17 years, my world revolved around my profession as a massage therapist, where my primary tech tool was my phone. The idea of navigating complex software or running a digital platform was foreign to me. However, my journey through sobriety and personal development instilled in me a newfound confidence. I realized that to share my message effectively and support others, I needed to embrace technology and step out of my comfort zone.

Launching ‘Shine Within’ was a leap into the unknown. This platform was born from a desire to create a space where women could share their stories of overcoming trials and triumphs, and where experts could offer insights on health, mindset, and spirituality. My goal was to foster a community where vulnerability and authenticity were not just welcomed but celebrated.

The process has been both challenging and exhilarating. I immersed myself in learning every aspect of podcasting – from audio editing and graphic design to marketing and audience engagement. Each step was self-taught, guided by a mix of online resources, trial and error, and, I believe, a touch of divine guidance. The journey has been transformative, not just in terms of acquiring new skills, but in realizing the potential that lies within us when we dare to step beyond our comfort zones.

‘Shine Within’ has grown significantly over the past year, mirroring my personal and professional growth. It’s a vivid reminder that our past doesn’t define our future, and that with faith, determination, and a willingness to learn, we can transcend boundaries and create something impactful and fulfilling.

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