Please introduce yourself and share what inspired you to start your business:
I am Lynn Lewis, the Visionary and Chief Empathy Officer for Destined To Thrive Grief Coaching. I am a Certified Grief Educator, speaker and author. After my son’s death in August 2019, I made the choice not to be consumed by the grief of my tragic loss.
I support adults who are ready to move forward with living meaningful, impactful and purposeful lives despite having experienced the loss of a loved one. I do so by one-on-one coaching and speaking to groups.
I am a co-author of the book Prepare For Purpose – Your Invitation To The Next Level and sole author of My Suicide Grief Journey Journal & Memory Book.
I am happily retired from the automobile claim industry with 39 years of service and reside in N. Chesterfield, VA with my husband, Keith D. Lewis.
My son’s death inspired me to start my business. In addition to participating in a support group and spending time with my individual therapist, I wanted something more to help me on this journey. Research on the internet led me to grief coaching. I was not aware that coaching specifically designed for grievers was available. After further research, I found a program that fit my needs perfectly. Grief coaching is present and future focused. It benefits me on my healing journey while allowing me to support others who need some guidance.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in business, and what strategies have helped you overcome them?
One of the challenges I faced was going full throttle with my business before I was emotionally and mentally ready because of where I was on my journey. I paused to do additional work on myself which took about five months. Another challenge I faced was recognizing my value and worthiness for what I offer and not retreating and succumbing to my inner critic telling me no one was going to pay for grief work. The strategy I used to move forward is mostly asking myself what I needed, wanted, and would invest in as a client, and to what extent; I became my own avatar.
How does your business or brand contribute to the empowerment of women, and why is that important to you?
Sharing my lived experience contributes to the empowerment of women because it allows them to see and know that despite a loss, they can still live meaningful, impactful, and purposeful lives. Another thing is they have a blueprint as a reference regardless of the type of loss they may experience. Those things are important to me because I can contribute to someone else’s success just by sharing what I do, have, and know. I wholeheartedly believe that my business, especially my story is the solution to someone else’s problems.
What advice would you give to other women looking to break barriers and achieve success in their industries?
My advice is to not be afraid to pivot, not to be afraid to course correct, and do not compare themselves to others. What I mean is do not imitate what you see others doing to their detriment. Yes, go in the direction of those they see doing what they want to do, seek advice and mentorship, but do not clone anyone else. Also, it’s important that they invest in themselves – mentorship, coaching, webinars, conferences and networking.
What is next for you in 2025 and how can readers connect with you?
This year, 2025, is off to a great start! My inaugural “Just Say Their Name” brunch in honor of my son’s memory is one thing. I am collaborating on my second anthology book project to be published later this year. I will also be starting a suicide loss support group for the African American community along with my husband.
I invite readers to connect with me at www.destinedtothrivegriefcoaching.com, destinedtothrive@outlook.com, www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-lewis-718173149, www.facebook.com/lynnlewis7545 and www.instragram.com/griefcoachlynn.