Everywhere We Go

• Beauty, Bullying, and Bouncing Back: Stephanie's Untold Story

  Raw, resilient, and refreshingly real – Stephanie Simons opens up for the first time about the extraordinary journey that shaped the woman behind Bowie Stacks beauty empire.From her first breaths, born into homelessness with a teenage mother battling addiction, Stephanie's path was never going to be ordinary. The Ballybough Flats provided a backdrop of community amid poverty, where childhood games existed alongside the harsh realities of Dublin's drug epidemic. With unflinching honesty, she reveals the physical and mental abuse she endured as a child, stepping into a parental role for her younger sister while still a child herself.Dancing became her escape – until bullying shattered that dream when her hair began falling out from stress. But as Stephanie's story unfolds, we witness the remarkable resilience that would define her life. From beauty college to running "nixers" door-to-door, she built her first salon by age 20. Even as motherhood and pandemic challenges arose, she persevered, performing treatments with a newborn in a carry cot beside her.Perhaps most powerful is Stephanie's candid discussion of the online controversy that nearly destroyed her – when a treatment complication went viral and unleashed a torrent of trolling. Yet through faith, determination and unwavering focus, she transformed that visibility into business growth, now operating multiple locations across Ireland.This conversation goes beyond beauty treatments (though we do learn about salmon DNA injections and other innovations). It's about a woman who refused to be defined by her circumstances, who breaks generational cycles for her children, and who stands tall despite persistent challenges.Have you ever wondered what truly builds strength? Listen as Stephanie shares her powerful message: "No matter what cards you're dealt, it's how you play them." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Louise’s Journey: The Road Less Travelled from Addiction to Advocacy

  Rising from the Ashes tells the incredible story of Louise’s journey from hardship to a life of purpose and hope. Growing up surrounded by addiction, violence, and loss, she endured unimaginable challenges, including the devastating impact of losing her partner to drugs and navigating life as a young mother. Yet, against all odds, she made the courageous decision to turn her life around.Now, driven by a deep determination to help others, Louise works tirelessly within her community to inspire change, provide unwavering support, and advocate for a better future. In this podcast, she shares her personal story of resilience, the challenges her daughter faces following a late cerebral palsy diagnosis, and the extraordinary strength it takes to keep moving forward.Join Louise as she opens up about her journey of survival, healing, and the transformative power of giving back. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Navigating Life and Independence: Tracy O’Keefe’s Resilient Journey from Separation to Self-Discovery

  How does one navigate the tumultuous journey from a long-term relationship to personal independence? Tracy O'Keefe from Dunamid shares her transformative life story, from her vibrant childhood in Kilbarrick to the emotional challenges of separating in her early 40s. Tracy opens up about her upbringing, her early marriage, and the complex feelings surrounding her separation, offering an honest look at emotional numbness, guilt, and the impact of life's transitions on personal growth.Tracy’s candid reflections reveal the emotional and mental hurdles she faced while rediscovering her identity post-separation. We discuss the influence of menopause on mental health, the struggle for self-discovery, and how stepping out of a dependent relationship led to newfound confidence and self-awareness. Tracy’s journey is a testament to the resilience it takes to find one's own voice and preferences, highlighting the importance of personal growth and the strength that emerges from adversity.Finally, we dive into practical insights on navigating divorce, shedding light on avoiding unnecessary legal expenses, managing child custody, and the intricacies of removing a name from a mortgage. Tracy also shares her expertise in helping others through DIY divorces, aiming to facilitate smoother transitions for those seeking a fresh start. Join us as we explore the resilience and strength of modern women who refuse to settle for less, celebrating their courage to advocate for better lives and more equitable treatment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Shauna Rice's Battle with Cancer and Triumph Over Challenges

  What does it take to remain resilient amidst life's toughest challenges? Our guest, Shauna Rice from Ballyferma, has experienced more than her fair share of trials, and her story is nothing short of inspiring. Through laughter and memories, Shauna opens up about her childhood filled with warmth and the unbreakable bond with her mother and sisters. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics and the power of community connections.When faced with a cancer diagnosis, how do you juggle the demands of motherhood and personal health? Shauna takes us through her emotional journey of managing everyday life while battling breast cancer, first witnessing her mother's struggle and later facing her own diagnosis while pregnant. She shares the difficult decisions she had to make, the strength she found in her family, and the poignant moments that defined her resilience. From the fear of losing her mother to the heartbreak of her own diagnosis, Shauna's narrative is a testament to human strength and the importance of a supportive network.Recovery is not just a physical journey, but an emotional one as well. Shauna opens up about the complexities of post-surgery family dynamics, the ongoing treatment decisions, and her aspirations of returning to the performing arts. Despite the hurdles of chemotherapy and the exhaustion of caring for her children, she remains hopeful for the future. With plans for reconstructive surgery and dreams of gracing the stage once again, Shauna's journey is a powerful reminder of the enduring hope that fuels us through life's trials. Join us for an episode that celebrates resilience, family support, and the pursuit of joy amidst adversity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Empowering Women: Sherin and Rachel's Path to Building Sister Sheds

  What happens when your childhood is shaped by both Egyptian and Irish cultures and then disrupted by a sudden move across borders? Join us, Sherin and Rachel, as we share the candid and emotional stories of our upbringing, family separation due to religious conflict, and the profound bonds that have shaped our lives. Our reflections on growing up with strong maternal figures, navigating the loss of a parent, and confronting the bittersweet nature of lost friendships offer a heartfelt look into the resilience required to overcome life's challenges.Imagine the chaos of a family emergency abroad, compounded by communication barriers and outdated passports. We recount the harrowing experience of navigating these obstacles, the overwhelming grief of losing a loved one far from home, and the emotional journey of repatriation. These experiences, both personal and communal, highlight the deep bonds within our family and our commitment to creating supportive spaces for women. We also delve into the creation of Sister Sheds, a community-driven initiative that has transformed lives through the power of shared experiences and unwavering support.Our story is rooted in resilience and empowerment. We discuss the challenges of securing funding, ensuring inclusivity, and the joy of seeing women form lasting friendships and support networks through Sister Sheds. Our journey is one of healing, community connection, and the ongoing exploration of our spiritual gifts. Tune in to hear how our past has shaped our present and inspired the creation of a community that champions the strength of togetherness and the healing power of shared stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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