Meet LaNelle Renfro | Entrepreneur. Author. Speaker. Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with LaNelle Renfro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaNelle, how do you define success?
For a magazine interview, your answer should feel authentic to your journey as a coach, entrepreneur, survivor, and woman focused on healing and empowerment:

Success, to me, is not measured by money, titles, or social status. While those things can be wonderful accomplishments, true success is living in alignment with your purpose and having the courage to become who you were created to be.

As someone who has walked through trauma, reinvention, and personal transformation, I define success as healing the parts of yourself that once held you back and using your experiences to create impact for others. It’s having peace when no one is applauding, confidence when circumstances are uncertain, and the ability to look in the mirror knowing you’ve remained true to your values.

Success is also legacy. It’s empowering others to recognize their worth, break unhealthy cycles, and believe in possibilities beyond their current circumstances. If I can inspire someone to heal, grow, and step into their own power, then I consider that a success far greater than any financial milestone.

At this stage in my life, success looks like freedom, purpose, meaningful relationships, and creating a life that reflects the woman I’ve worked so hard to become.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Reinventing myself has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. I have always believed that every experience, challenge, and opportunity serves a greater purpose, and my career path has been a testament to that belief. After leaving the corporate world I launched an event planning business, where I had the privilege of creating impactful experiences and building meaningful connections. Through that work, I was afforded opportunities that expanded my vision, including working alongside Steve and Marjorie Harvey on two projects that exposed me to new levels of leadership, influence, and service.

My entrepreneurial journey also led me into the modeling industry. After assisting / managing a model in the early stages of her career, I was encouraged to step in front of the camera myself, which ultimately resulted in being signed as a model. That experience taught me the importance of confidence, self-worth, and embracing opportunities that may initially seem outside of your comfort zone. I also did that later in life, which let me know it’s never too late, for your dreams to materialize.

As my platform continued to grow, I became an author writing “The Power of Broken Things”, a project deeply rooted in my personal experiences and healing journey. Writing that book allowed me to share lessons learned through adversity and inspire others to find strength in their own broken places. I also expanded into media, cohosting a talk show, launching and hosting my own podcast, and creating numerous empowerment-focused events (brunches, conferences, workshops, and community gatherings designed to encourage growth, healing, and transformation). I’ve spoken at numerous events, and done multiple interviews. I have received awards locally and internationally for my dedication and philanthropy.

While each of these experiences was meaningful, they all pointed me toward a deeper realization—my true life purpose was helping people heal, grow, and reclaim their power. That realization led me to launch Empwrd 2 Empwr Coaching; a coaching practice dedicated to empowering individuals through mindset development and trauma recovery.

Through Empwrd 2 Empwr, I provide both one-on-one and group coaching services designed to help clients identify limiting beliefs, overcome emotional barriers, heal from past trauma, and develop the mindset necessary to create lasting change. My coaching approach combines practical strategies, personal development principles, accountability, and compassionate support to help individuals move from surviving to thriving.

This work is deeply personal to me because it was born from my own healing journey. Having experienced personal traumas early in life, I made a conscious decision that those experiences would not define me or hinder my future. Instead, I committed to doing the work necessary to heal, grow, and break unhealthy cycles. That commitment transformed my life and ignited a passion to help others do the same. Today, every chapter of my journey, from entrepreneurship and modeling to authorship, media, and event hosting; has prepared me to serve others in a meaningful way and fulfill my mission of empowering people to heal, rise, and walk confidently in their purpose.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
You may find me at Grandscape enjoying a free concert, somewhere eating authentic Italian, or at home trying a new recipe. I love to frequent small businesses and show them support as well.

There truly are many amazing places to frequent in Dallas, Texas, but I also do a lot of international traveling, which I love the most. Panama is currently my favorite destination.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I thank God for His grace and guidance through every season.

I’m grateful to the people who believed in me, encouraged my growth, and helped me see possibilities beyond obstacles.

I also honor the strong, dedicated women I’ve worked alongside from various organizations to empower and uplift others; and those I currently work with through Empwrd 2 Empwr. Their resilience and courage have taught and inspired me in countless ways.

Special thanks to accomplished women like Michelle Obama (Becoming), and Dr. Brené Brown’s work on courage and vulnerability, which strengthened my understanding of healing, leadership, and personal growth.

Finally, I thank my family for their love, support, and the values that continue to guide me. None of us succeed alone, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who encouraged, taught, prayed for, and believed in me.

Website: https://www.Empwrd2Empwr.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lanelle_renfro?igsh=dzh1Nzczb204NHU0&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanelle-renfro-e2e

Facebook: LaNelle Renfro

Yelp: https://yelp.to/xrB7i78ORr

Image Credits
Tavia Whitlowe