Cindy Tawiah’s journey from registered nurse to beauty entrepreneur is a testament to resilience, faith, and unwavering passion. As the founder of Diva By Cindy and the Diva Day Spa and Healing Center, she has not only revolutionized the hair care industry but also created a platform for empowerment and healing. Her formula for success is built on overcoming challenges, embracing innovation, and using business as a vehicle for change.

A Passion for Beauty Sparked in Ghana

Cindy’s love for beauty and chemistry began at the age of 16 in Ghana. Struggling with chemistry in school, she found inspiration in a teacher who made the subject come alive by teaching her how to make beauty products like nail polish and lipstick. This hands-on experience ignited a passion that would later shape her career.

Despite this early spark, Cindy initially pursued a career in nursing, dedicating 13 years to the profession. However, she felt a deep sense of unfulfillment and a pull toward her first love—beauty. Taking a bold leap, she left nursing in 2003 to open a hair salon. This decision would mark the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey, but not without its share of challenges.

Turning Setbacks into Innovation

Starting her salon was far from easy. Cindy faced a high staff turnover, with employees she had trained leaving to start their own businesses—sometimes taking her clients with them. This instability nearly jeopardized her business, but instead of giving up, she pivoted. In 2007, she launched Diva By Cindy, a line of natural, alcohol-free hair care products designed to promote healthy hair growth. With just $2,500, she created a brand rooted in both science and self-care.

Her ability to innovate became even more evident when she secured a retail space for her products at Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Airport. This was a major breakthrough—until the airport reclaimed her unit, choosing to allocate it to a larger cosmetics company. Rather than viewing this as a defeat, Cindy found another way to stay in the game. In 2019, she introduced the first natural hair care vending machine in a U.S. airport, ensuring her products remained accessible to travelers. This move not only kept her brand visible but also set a new standard for the beauty industry.

More Than a Business—A Mission to Empower Women

Cindy’s entrepreneurial ventures go beyond selling hair care products. Her personal experiences with domestic violence fueled her desire to give back, leading her to establish the Diva Project. This initiative supports homeless women and survivors of domestic abuse, offering wellness services, counseling, and meals. A portion of the proceeds from Diva By Cindy helps fund these efforts, making every purchase a step toward uplifting vulnerable women.

Beyond philanthropy, Cindy is passionate about empowering women entrepreneurs. Through her vending machine model, she provides franchise opportunities, particularly for military veterans and women looking to establish their own businesses. Her goal is to create economic independence through beauty, showing others that financial freedom is attainable with the right mindset and strategy.

Power of the “Six Ps”: The Formula for Success

Entrepreneurship comes with its share of difficulties, but Cindy credits her faith for keeping her grounded. Through both triumphs and setbacks, she leans on prayer, believing that her journey is not just about personal success but about inspiring and uplifting others.

For those looking to follow in her footsteps, she offers six guiding principles—the Six Ps for Success:

1. Prayer – Stay spiritually grounded and seek guidance.
2. Passion – Love what you do and pursue it relentlessly.
3. Perseverance – Stay committed, even in the face of obstacles.
4. Persistence – Keep pushing forward, no matter the setbacks.
5. Presence – Be fully engaged in your journey and adapt to change.
6. Positivity – Maintain an optimistic outlook to navigate challenges effectively.

These principles have been the foundation of her success, helping her turn challenges into stepping stones.

Looking Ahead: Expansion and Continued Impact

Cindy’s vision for the future includes expanding both Diva By Cindy and the Diva Day Spa and Healing Center. She aims to increase the presence of hair care vending machines in military bases, airports, and high-traffic areas nationwide, providing more opportunities for entrepreneurs to enter the beauty business.

On the wellness front, she is committed to growing the Diva Day Spa, which she opened in Baltimore County in 2020. Recognized as one of the first Black-owned day spas in Upperco, Maryland, it offers holistic healing services, including wellness workshops, sip-and-paint sessions, and self-care experiences. Cindy hopes to open a second location in Washington, D.C., making wellness and healing more accessible to women in the metropolitan area.

Defining Success on Her Terms

For Cindy, success is not just about financial gain—it’s about persistence, service, and shining despite the obstacles. It means continuing to strive for more, helping others succeed, and never giving up, no matter how difficult the journey gets.

At the heart of her work is a mission to inspire and motivate others to overcome their own challenges. She believes that every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise and that with faith, passion, and resilience, anyone can achieve their dreams.

Cindy Tawiah is not just a businesswoman—she is a changemaker, a mentor, and a beacon of hope for those looking to turn their struggles into triumphs. Whether through beauty, wellness, or philanthropy, she continues to redefine what it means to be a leader in the beauty industry and beyond.

Connect with Cindy Tawiah

• Website: www.divadayspamd.com
• Website: www.divabycindy.com 
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/divabycindy
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/divadayspa
• TikTok: www.TikTok.com/divabycindy 
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/divabycindyhaircare
• LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/CindyTawiah

Natalie Solomon, MPH, isn’t just a public health analyst or a dynamic speaker—she’s a living testament to resilience, intentionality, and self-care. As the founder of Meraki Life & Style, a wellness platform dedicated to helping women prioritize themselves, Natalie has turned her personal battles into a mission to inspire others to reclaim their wellness, confidence, and purpose.

A Journey of Strength and Transformation

Natalie’s life has been shaped by both professional achievements and profound personal challenges. With a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh and additional studies at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Natalie’s academic credentials reflect her commitment to improving public health. However, her journey goes far beyond academia.

For over two decades, Natalie has faced significant health challenges, including endometriosis, multiple surgeries, a brain tumor, and infertility. These experiences tested not only her physical strength but also her emotional resilience. “Each hurdle came with moments of fear, frustration, and exhaustion—both physically and mentally,” she shares.

One of the most difficult aspects of navigating chronic health conditions, Natalie explains, is the feeling of isolation. “It’s easy to feel overlooked when battling invisible struggles, especially as a woman balancing professional responsibilities and personal pain. I often found myself asking, ‘Who takes care of the caregiver? Who advocates for the advocate?’”

Through this adversity, Natalie discovered that true healing isn’t just about physical recovery—it’s about creating intentional spaces for emotional resilience, self-reflection, and self-care. This realization became the foundation for Meraki Life & Style.

The Birth of Meraki Life & Style: Securing Your Oxygen Mask First

Natalie founded Meraki Life & Style with one clear mission: to empower women to “Secure Their Oxygen Mask First.” This philosophy emphasizes the importance of prioritizing personal wellness—not as an indulgence, but as a necessity. Natalie believes that women often pour themselves into others’ needs, leaving their own wellness neglected.

“At its core, Meraki Life & Style isn’t just a business—it’s a movement,” Natalie says. Through initiatives like the Meraki Empowerment Collective and Meraki Sacred Spaces, she provides actionable tools, intentional environments, and a supportive community to guide women toward resilience and mindful living.

Her workshops, coaching sessions, and speaking engagements are a unique blend of heartfelt storytelling and data-driven insights. Natalie’s approach resonates deeply with audiences because it’s both vulnerable and practical. She shares her personal struggles openly, showing women that it’s okay to rest, set boundaries, and seek help.

“I want women to understand that prioritizing their wellness isn’t selfish—it’s essential,” Natalie explains. “It’s about showing up for yourself first so you can show up fully for others.”

Building a Culture of Wellness and Connection

Through her work, Natalie is not just changing individual lives; she’s challenging societal narratives that glorify burnout and self-sacrifice. “Too often, women are expected to prioritize productivity over self-care, leaving them exhausted and unsupported,” she says. Natalie aims to replace these harmful norms with a culture that celebrates self-care as an act of strength and love.

This mission extends beyond her workshops and coaching sessions. Natalie actively collaborates with organizations, community groups, and advocacy initiatives, including her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the Black Door Society. These partnerships amplify her impact, allowing her to deliver transformative programs to broader audiences.

The Road Ahead

Natalie’s vision for Meraki Life & Style is ambitious yet deeply personal. In the short term, she plans to expand her program offerings, launch digital wellness resources, and host signature retreats and conferences. Long-term, Natalie envisions collaborations with healthcare organizations and corporate wellness programs to integrate her “Secure Your Oxygen Mask First” philosophy into broader initiatives.

One of her most exciting goals is to establish a physical wellness center—a sanctuary where women can experience immersive self-care, resilience coaching, and intentional living workshops. She also plans to share her story through books, inspiring readers with actionable strategies for reclaiming their wellness and purpose.

Ultimately, Natalie’s dream is to create a global movement that empowers women to embrace resilience, live intentionally, and thrive in every aspect of their lives.

A Ripple Effect of Empowerment

What drives Natalie to keep going, even during the hardest times? “It’s the lives I know my work impacts, just through a simple conversation,” she says. Every time a woman finds strength or clarity through Meraki Life & Style, Natalie is reminded of her purpose.

“Through my journey, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about showing up for yourself in the midst of them. My hope is to help other women feel seen, valued, and worthy of care,” Natalie shares.

Her work is more than a career; it’s a calling. Natalie is determined to help women reclaim their wellness, build resilience, and live authentically. Whether she’s speaking on stage, facilitating a workshop, or mentoring a client, her message is clear: You are worthy of rest, care, and joy. And prioritizing your wellness is the first step toward building a life of balance, confidence, and purpose.

Connect with Natalie Solomon

To learn more about Natalie A. Solomon and Meraki Life & Style, connect with her through the following platforms:

• Website: natalieasolomon.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalieasolomon/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalieasolomon/
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nataliesolomon08
• Website: meraki-empowerment-collective.com
• YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=ps-6bfo8LMM&t=3s

Natalie’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of life’s toughest challenges, it’s possible to heal, grow, and inspire others along the way. Through her work, she’s not just helping women survive—she’s helping them thrive.

Grab Natalie’s self-care guide for free! Sacred Self-Care: A Guide to Wellness Practices and Creating Soulful Spaces: https://bit.ly/freeguidetowellness

Life is a journey of transformation, filled with moments of joy, adversity, and growth. For Heidi Diercks, founder of Heidi’s Advent Living, this journey has been the foundation of her work as a master life coach. With over 20 years in education, a transition to coaching, and a life shaped by both triumphs and trials, Heidi brings an authentic and holistic approach to empowering women to find purpose, achieve their goals, and embrace happiness. Her story is not just one of personal transformation but a beacon of hope for others navigating life’s challenges.

From Educator to Empowerer

Heidi’s path to life coaching wasn’t linear, and that’s what makes her journey relatable. Having spent decades as an educator, she developed a knack for nurturing growth and instilling a mindset of resilience in her students. Her brief stint in manufacturing and human resources provided a broader perspective, but it was her own life experiences that ultimately led her to entrepreneurship.

Living with ADHD, navigating perimenopause, and enduring the challenges of depression and anxiety were transformative chapters in Heidi’s story. Like so many women, she often masked her struggles, keeping up appearances while grappling with internal battles. Yet, these experiences became a wellspring of empathy and insight, fueling her passion for supporting others.

“I’ve always been a source of guidance for others,” Heidi reflects. “Promoting growth mindset and grit came naturally to me. But when I faced my own struggles—like divorce and redefining my life—it was clear I needed the same support I had been giving to others.”

It was through counseling and working with a divorce coach that Heidi found clarity and healing. Inspired by this transformative process, she decided to channel her passion into life coaching, creating Heidi’s Advent Living—a name that symbolizes her own journey of becoming and her mission to guide others on theirs.

Transforming Challenges into Strengths

For many women, life transitions such as divorce, career changes, or navigating physical and mental health challenges can feel overwhelming. Heidi’s personal story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of seeking support. “The tools I used to overcome my own struggles—mindfulness, journaling, goal-setting, and embracing a growth mindset—are the same strategies I now integrate into my coaching practice,” Heidi explains.

Through Heidi’s Advent Living, Heidi provides a supportive space for women to embrace their authentic selves, overcome obstacles, and build fulfilling lives. Her holistic approach addresses the mind, body, and spirit, recognizing that true transformation comes from within. From goal-setting frameworks to mindfulness practices, Heidi’s methods are tailored to each individual’s unique journey.

“Living with ADHD has taught me to be adaptable and empathetic. Navigating perimenopause has deepened my understanding of resilience. And overcoming depression and anxiety has given me the courage to share my story and inspire others to do the same,” she shares. Heidi’s openness about her own experiences fosters a sense of trust and connection with her clients, allowing them to feel seen and supported.

Building a Legacy of Empowerment

For Heidi, coaching is more than just a profession—it’s a calling. Her mission is to ignite a ripple effect of empowerment, resilience, and joy. “When women feel empowered, they uplift their families, communities, and beyond. That’s the legacy I want to leave—a legacy of transformation and connection.”

Through Heidi’s Advent Living, she envisions creating a vibrant community where women can share experiences, support one another, and grow together. Her plans include developing accessible tools such as online courses, workshops, and group coaching programs, ensuring women at all stages of life can benefit from her guidance.

Long-term, Heidi aspires to write a book that chronicles her journey and the strategies that have shaped her life and work. “I want to show women that even life’s hardest moments can lead to beautiful transformations. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique paths and discover their strength.”

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities

Heidi’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that challenges are not barriers but stepping stones to growth. “What motivates me to keep going is the knowledge that even the hardest moments can lead to new strengths and insights,” she says. Her work is a testament to the idea that life’s trials can be powerful catalysts for change.

Through her coaching, Heidi helps women reconnect with their worth, clarify their goals, and embrace their unique contributions to the world. By integrating strategies like mindfulness, goal-setting, and holistic wellness, she empowers her clients to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Inspiring a Movement of Growth and Positivity

At its core, Heidi’s Advent Living is about transformation—not just for individuals but for the broader community. Heidi believes that when women thrive, they create a ripple effect of positive change that extends to families, communities, and beyond. “Empowered individuals can spark a movement of growth, connection, and positivity,” she emphasizes.

Heidi’s journey from educator to life coach is a powerful reminder that our struggles don’t define us—they shape us. By sharing her story and using her experiences to inspire others, she is creating a legacy of hope, resilience, and empowerment.

Through one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and the vibrant community she’s building, Heidi’s mission is clear: to help women embrace their authentic selves, overcome challenges, and live purpose-driven lives. In doing so, she’s not just changing lives—she’s creating a movement.

About Heidi Diercks

As a mother of four, a divorcee, a retired educator, and an entrepreneur, Heidi Diercks founded Heidi’s Advent Living to provide holistic life coaching. With over 20 years of experience in education and a successful transition to coaching, she now helps women achieve purpose, accomplish goals, and find happiness. Having lived with ADHD, navigated perimenopause, and faced concealed struggles with depression and anxiety, Heidi draws on her personal challenges to inspire others. Known for her genuine care and positive impact, she uses her diverse experiences to support individuals in need, driven by a passion to help others overcome obstacles and thrive.

Connect with Heidi

https://www.hopp.bio/heidis-advent-living