Conversations with the Inspiring Darrina Bledsoe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darrina Bledsoe.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a native to Arizona and was raised in a Spanish household filled with lots of flamenco music and love. I played sports which helped me get into college for basketball and eventually set me up to go to graduate school. Anyone who is a student-athlete or graduate student or out-of-towner can relate to the stressors of these roles. My experiences playing at the collegiate level and training in behavioral health inspired me and my sister to create an empowerment program to combat the hardships that come with life.

Practicing mental health in Arizona exposed how lacking and undervalued it is, especially in Spanish speaking communities (big shout out to bilingual therapists). We progressively transitioned from counselors to motivational speakers and mental health advocates.  Thanks to social media, we created interactive videos and share tips meant to empower others to be in power. We believe everyone en el mundo deserves to live empowered.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It is a challenging road. You learn the “Leap of Faith” applies to so much more than starting a business. You learn to take a chance on yourself, your abilities, your confidence, your self-love, it truly is a journey in entrepreneurship. Battling the insecurities of “WHAT IF I FAIL” made it tough to get started, be consistent, and stay motivated. As a young professional woman, it’s important to have a healthy support system to fight the inner battle and keep me focused. It’s also important to have “ME TIME” and get to know yourself as a businesswoman and what your vision is. There is value in refusing to stop, so keep going!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Bledsoe Empower story. Tell us more about the business.
Bledsoe Empower is a led by Darrina and Deana Bledsoe, the Bledsoe Sisters! We are motivational speakers, mental health advocates and educators, and licensed behavioral health professionals! We specialize in mental health and have experience treating clients through psychotherapy, which is known as counseling. We change up the traditional way of understanding mental health by spreading awareness on social media. You’ll notice most therapy videos are heavy on education, but not very engaging or entertaining. We bring that! We also are Spanish speaking therapist thanks to our upbringing in Spain. We have a wider range of individuals to empower! We are most proud of the connection and service we are able to offer individuals relating to mental and physical wellness because we’ve lived through trials and tribulations. We are unique because we are sisters who have empowered one another for 28+ years and have a passion for spreading knowledge of ways to be mentally and physically healthy while empowering others.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
The biggest barrier with leadership is that women deserve more recognition in their area of expertise. Women are exceptional individuals capable of paving a path fit for them. Being a female duo in the mental health and physical wellness field is empowering because we have a tenacity that is specific to us and powerful, it keeps us focused. Every woman has a tenacity that is pertinent in leadership. We are creating the career we want by speaking to mental health and wellness to humanize the experience. Mental health had a stigma attached and we are working to lead others in understanding the power of being who they are.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bledsoeempower.com
• Phone: 6232973014
• Email: bempoweraz@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerelmundo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bledsoe-Empower-LLC-533752540128830/

 Image Credit:
Virginia Zermeno

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