My guest today is Deanna Kuempel. She’s a human trafficking survivor, a widow, a former C-Level executive, fashion designer, bodybuilder, skincare expert, currently Ms. Chicago America Nation 2021, and now a podcast host. 

I met this incredible woman while networking for my podcast; I knew right away I had to bring her on the show. What an amazing conversation we had. From human trafficking to becoming a widow, learn how this amazing woman despite adversity decided to live a label-free life. Don’t get me wrong labels are helpful sometimes like -let’s say the role you play in the workplace but don’t let that label define you.

Many years ago, I was the receptionist for a staffing and recruiting agency, but the label did not define me. That was my first “office” position at a company and what I lacked in experience I overcompensated with a “Can do attitude and confidence.” I wasn’t just greeting people to fill in job positions, I was the agency’s first impression. I started interviewing people while answering phones and 30 other tasks given to me. I knew right away that if a position opened up, I’ll be the first one in line to fill in that position. I’m a photographer but don’t put me in a box because I’m not just a photographer I help women confidently step into their power.

“If I’m going through a rough patch and I’m not being a good representation of who I am. What helps me to build confidence is to follow through with what I say I was going to do”

Tips for building confidence

• Start out small.        
• Follow through with the things you said you are going to do.        
• Show up for yourself.       
• You have to take the steps even if it’s uncomfortable because that’s where growth happens. 

If you are not being true to yourself you are living in jail, and who gave you the life sentence?