Oooooh I love this week's episode! My incredibly resilient friend and mentor, Ciara, and I dive into the nitty gritty of what it looks like to really walk (and cry) through a season of seeing things fall apart…and HOW to be real with the people around you while you're in the mess (especially your kids and spouse!). This week is a reminder to not run away from the mess, but to grow from the mess as you forge through it.

Ciara reminds us that a firm foundation in Christ is critical and that even though we experience bankruptcy, hardship, let down, personal attacks, etc., we can anchor to who God says we are…and that will carry us through.

Ciara Stockeland, has owned and operated businesses since her early teens. As a serial entrepreneur, her business mindset and tenacity led her to opening her first store in 2006 which she then franchised. Her vast experience in both retail and wholesale industries led her to launch the first to market wholesale subscription box for boutique retailers, which she built and sold within 18 months. Most recently Ciara has launched the Inventory Genius, a coaching program for inventory based business owners.

She has twice had the opportunity to testify before two U.S. Senate Committees regarding the "joint employer" standard for businesses and its effect on small businesses and franchises. Additionally, in 2015 she represented small businesses at a White House Summit on Worker Voice and again in 2018 for a Summit on Economics.

Ciara has been recognized as a Small Business Champion through SCORE, has held a seat on the United States Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council and is a Profit First Certified Coach. Through her coaching program, Ciara strives to motivate business owners to build profitability and peace of mind into their business.

In her free time Ciara enjoys training for endurance races and most recently completed her second Ironman in Juneau, Alaska.

She currently resides in Tennessee with her husband Jim and her Great Pyrenees, Bentley.

So, come join me and get to know the light that shines through the story of my tenacious and wise friend, Ciara!

Ciara's IG: @ciarastockeland

To learn more about what Ciara does: https://www.ciarastockeland.com/

Maria's IG: @RiaRambles

Take Part Foundation: Take-Part.org

As always to recommend a guest, email Sydney@LetYourFightShine.com.