We had the good fortune of connecting with Veronica Edwards and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Veronica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
What initially started out as an attempt to win the affections of my ex back, slowly transformed in to the realization that I had a lot of healing to do. My healing journey began with an attempt to better understand why I had taken rejection so hard in the past, and why time after time, I had many failed relationships. The questions I was asking myself lead me down the path of self-discovery and introspection. I found myself delving into memories, examining my past actions and reactions, trying to decipher the patterns that had led me to where I was. It was like untangling a messy knot, slowly teasing out each strand to understand its role in the bigger picture.
As I reflected, I realized that my fear of rejection ran deeper than I had initially thought. It stemmed from a childhood marked by insecurity and a constant need for validation. Growing up, I had never felt like I was enough, always seeking external approval to fill the void within me.
This realization was both liberating and daunting. Liberating because it allowed me to finally confront the root cause of my insecurities, but daunting because it meant facing some uncomfortable truths about myself. I had to acknowledge the ways in which I had contributed to the demise of my past relationships, how my fear of rejection had manifested in behaviors that pushed others away.
However, this acknowledgment came the biggest opportunity for growth. Armed with self-awareness, I embarked on a journey of self-improvement, and sought to become the best version of myself.
I knew I couldn’t be the only one feeling like this, so I decided to create a course, titled, “From Breakdown to Breakthrough,” – a 12-Week self-paced guide on how to transform inner wounds into self-mastery. It is the blueprint and roadmap I used to heal a traumatic past, and I wanted to share with others, what I had learned about myself.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In December 2022, my life looked entirely different from how it does now. I was thirty-five years old and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I had a job I was successful at, a son whom I adore, but deep down inside I was screaming in pain. I was dealing with the aftermath of one of the worst break-ups in my life, and to top it off, I had to see this person everyday because we worked together. Something I vowed I will never do again. I was overwhelmingly sad, confused and my self-worth was non-existent after yet another failed relationship. I felt cornered and alone.
Most healers, coaches, and mentors always seem to have their transcendental awakening somewhere divine – on a mountaintop, while staring into the open, by a brook, or next to a burning bush. Mine, however, happened on my kitchen floor with my then two year old son in my arms. Burnt out, and full of despair, I could no longer distract myself from some deeply rooted unresolved feelings. Looking into a mirror, there I was – naked, no distractions and very uncomfortable with what I saw. I knew in that moment I could no longer escape myself.
Today I call that incident, my rock bottom moment. Hitting rock bottom is like a death, and for some of us, it can literally bring us closer to death. Death of course, enables rebirth, and I emerged like a phoenix rising from her ashes, determined to figure out what was wrong. That painful moment brought the light in, revealing so much of myself that I had buried. Suddenly, clarity hit: I need to find change. I had no idea this insight would lead to the biggest transformation of my life.
This transformation lead me to want to become a Life Coach. I began my journey by immersing myself in self-help books, attending workshops, and seeking guidance from experienced mentors. It was a process of both learning and unlearning, shedding layers of conditioning and societal expectations to uncover my authentic self.
As I delved deeper into my own healing journey, I realized that my experiences, no matter how painful, had equipped me with valuable insights and empathy to guide others on their paths to self-discovery and growth. I enrolled in coaching certification programs, honed my skills, and started offering coaching sessions to friends and acquaintances.
With each client I worked with, I witnessed profound transformations unfold before my eyes. It was incredibly rewarding to see individuals break free from limiting beliefs, overcome obstacles, and step into their power. I knew I had found my calling.
Launching my coaching practice wasn’t easy. It required dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace vulnerability. But with every setback came an opportunity for growth, and I remained steadfast in my commitment to helping others create meaningful change in their lives.
Today, as a certified life coach, I feel grateful for the journey that led me here. My work is not just a profession, but a passion—a calling to serve others and make a positive impact in the world. And as I reflect on where I was just a few years ago, I’m filled with gratitude for the resilience that carried me through my darkest moments and led me to where I am today: living a life of purpose and fulfillment.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a week-long trip in Dallas, Texas, there’s no shortage of fun and exciting places to explore. Here’s a suggested itinerary to show my best friend the best time ever:
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
Morning: Start the day with breakfast at Legacy West in Frisco then head down to Dallas.
Afternoon: Visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden to stroll through stunning gardens and enjoy the scenic views.
Evening: Get dressed to impress, and head over to dinner and cocktails at Hotel Swexan and take in the Dallas Skyline at night
Day 2: Cultural Immersion
Morning: Enjoy breakfast tacos at Fuel City, a local favorite spot.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at the Dallas Museum of Art, exploring its diverse collection of artworks.
Evening: Have dinner at Trinity Groves, a foodie’s paradise with a variety of dining options. Then, catch a show at the iconic Granada Theater or Kessler Theater for live music.
Day 3: Outdoor Adventure
Morning: Grab breakfast at Oddfellows in the Bishop Arts District.
Afternoon: Head to White Rock Lake for outdoor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk or bike ride along the lake.
Evening: Treat yourselves to dinner at Mesero in Legacy West for delicious Tex-Mex cuisine
Day 4: Day Trip to Fort Worth
Morning: Take a scenic drive to Fort Worth and indulge in a hearty Texan breakfast at Ol’ South Pancake House.
Afternoon: Explore the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, where you can experience a taste of the Old West with cattle drives, rodeos, and cowboy culture.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Joe T. Garcia’s, a legendary Mexican restaurant known for its beautiful outdoor patio and margaritas.
Day 5: Shopping and Sightseeing
Morning: Have brunch at the iconic Highland Park Soda Fountain for classic diner fare.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon shopping at NorthPark Center, one of the top shopping destinations in the country, with a mix of high-end stores and boutique shops.
Evening: Head to the Reunion Tower for breathtaking views of the city at sunset, followed by dinner at Wolfgang Puck’s Five Sixty revolving restaurant.
Day 6: Relaxation and Recreation
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at The Original Pancake House.
Afternoon: Spend the day at Klyde Warren Park, where you can relax on the lawn, play games, and enjoy food from local food trucks.
Evening: Have dinner at Uptown hotspot, Rodeo Goat, known for its creative burgers and lively atmosphere.
Day 7: Farewell and Fond Memories
Morning: Have a farewell brunch at Ellen’s Southern Kitchen for comfort food classics.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll through the Dallas Farmers Market, where you can pick up souvenirs and local goodies to remember your trip.
Evening: End the trip with a sunset cocktail at HG Sply Co’s rooftop patio, reminiscing about the wonderful time
spent exploring Dallas together.
With this itinerary, my best friend would experience the diverse cultural, culinary, and outdoor offerings that make Dallas such a dynamic and exciting destination.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I want to shoutout my son, Noah, who is my biggest form of motivation and inspiration. He is my ‘why’, and the reason I wanted to heal and be a better person. My right hand, Ashley, who has never wavered from being there for both Noah and I, when I most needed a person in my corner. To my friends, Jennifer, Alex, Stephanie and Sheba, who have been with me through the highs and lows, And lastly, to the current man in my life, who has shown up and loved me in ways I never thought possible.
Website: veronicakedwards.com
Instagram: veronicakedwards
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veronicakedwardscoach/
Image Credits
@lynnestouch