Meet Neena Perez | Transformational Life Coach & Chef

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

Hi Neena, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Growing up in Stamford, Connecticut, I faced many challenges that deeply shaped the person I am today. I encountered hardships that tested my resilience and faith from a very young age. Being rejected from my father from birth and abused from my stepfather for years was just the beginning. I was also just fifteen when I became a mother for the first time, just finishing middle school and entering high school, facing the world with more questions than answers, and feeling very alone, but I was determined to not fail.

My childhood was far from easy to say the least, I write about this in my book “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”. The struggles of navigating early motherhood, surviving a domestic violent relationship that nearly ended in my murder, living in a shelter and having a second child at 21 with a divorce following a few years later, could have easily steered my life off course. Yet, these experiences forged in me a determination to rise above. I wasn’t defined by my circumstances, but rather, I was shaped by my responses to them. Each setback taught me perseverance; every obstacle became a steppingstone to personal growth and spiritual depth.

This journey of overcoming has not only crafted my identity but propelled me toward my passions. Frist, it led me to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a chef, birthing two businesses: “The Kiddie Kitchen,” where I share the joy of cooking with children, and “The Kitchen After Hours,” where adults gather to celebrate life’s moments over lovingly prepared meals. These ventures were expressions of my determined spirit, which the world tried to take, but now a testament to my belief in the transformative power of serving and nurturing others—both as sustenance and as a medium for connection.

My spiritual path, too, has been a beacon of light in my life. My journey didn’t stop in the kitchen; I was called to nourish souls as well as bodies. I lead Bible studies, write inspirational blogs, host podcasts, became a Transformational Life Coach and engage in motivational speaking, fulfilling my calling to uplift and inspire others.

Drawing on my corporate experience and entrepreneurial success, I have transformed my life’s lessons into a powerful platform as a transformational life coach. Today, I dedicate myself to helping women transform their lives and build their own businesses. Through my coaching, I guide them to harness their unique strengths, overcome personal challenges, and achieve professional success. My mission is to empower these women to write their own success stories, just as I wrote mine, turning their trials into triumphs and their dreams into reality. This synthesis of culinary art, spiritual mentoring, and business coaching encapsulates my life’s work: to inspire resilience, faith, and the courage to transform.

What should our readers know about your business?
My journey into the world of business and transformational life coaching has been anything but easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding and full of learning. My previous small businesses, “The Kiddie Kitchen” and “The Kitchen After Hours,” began from a simple passion for cooking and a desire to share this love with both children and adults in engaging creative ways. These businesses set the stage for what I am most proud of today: my role as a transformational life coach.

What sets my coaching apart is the integration of real, hard-earned life lessons into a framework, I’ve built a full online academy that supports women in transforming their lives and launching their own coaching/consulting businesses. The unique aspect of my coaching lies in my journey from overcoming numerous life challenges—including homelessness and starting a business with no capital—to achieving success. I bring not just theoretical knowledge but lived experience to the table, offering not only advice but also empathy and understanding.

Getting to where I am today was far from easy. The road was laden with obstacles, from financial struggles to balancing family life with entrepreneurial ambitions. There were moments of doubt and countless challenges that seemed insurmountable at the time. However, with faith as my cornerstone and the support of my family, I pushed through each barrier. The key lesson I’ve learned is resilience—the ability to bounce back and push forward even when the odds are stacked against you.

Another critical lesson is the power of vulnerability. Sharing my story openly in my autobiography has not only been cathartic but has also helped others see that though life can hit hard, their dreams are attainable, no matter where they start. It’s essential for every aspiring entrepreneur to know that it’s okay to struggle, it’s okay to fail, and it’s okay to ask for help.

What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is that it is built on the foundation of faith, resilience, and genuine love for helping others succeed. My brand isn’t just about business success; it’s about personal transformation and empowerment. I want to inspire women to not only dream but also act on those dreams with courage and faith, just as I did. My goal is to make a positive, lasting imp

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, what?? I might get into trouble… JK, I’d plan the most heartwarming, laughter-filled time imaginable. Knowing how much I love to cook, the first thing I’d do is whip up her favorite meal right in my own kitchen. This way, we could really relax and catch up without the hustle and bustle of a restaurant. It’s those quiet moments together that I cherish the most.

One evening during her stay, I’d host a backyard barbecue or a full dinner with my family and some new friends I’ve made in the area. It’s a beautiful way to introduce her to the warm community here and share the joy of good company and great food.

Throughout the week, we’d explore all the charming spots around town. We’d meander through local boutiques, where she could find unique keepsakes, and dine at the best spots, each with their own flair and delicious menus. Our city is wonderfully diverse in its culinary offerings, so we’d make sure to savor dishes from cozy cafes to vibrant eateries.

We’d spend our days strolling around, soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and picturesque settings, maybe even catching an outdoor concert if we’re lucky. Food, being a thread that ties many of our memories together, would lead us from sipping locally crafted wines to indulging in sweet treats from quaint bakeries.

Each evening, we’d unwind with a glass of wine, reflecting on the day’s adventures. We’d reminisce about all the years of our friendship, share laughter over memories and inside jokes, and perhaps settle in for a movie night, just like old times.

This visit would be more than just a simple catch-up; it would be a reaffirmation of our bond, filled with the simple joys of friendship and the comfort of feeling truly at home together.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, I would love to give a shoutout because truly, I am not self-made—my strength and success are deeply rooted in the support and love I’ve received from key figures in my life. First and foremost, I have to give the biggest shoutout to Jesus. Without His grace and guidance, I wouldn’t have had the courage to embrace and use the story I didn’t think I deserved, but God saw me fit for this path. He’s been my rock, my redeemer, and the source of my strength throughout my journey, transforming my pain into purpose and guiding me every step of the way.

Next, I cannot express enough gratitude toward my husband, Rudy, and our beautiful children. There was a time when we were homeless while I was still in college and just starting a tiny cooking business from nothing. Those days were grueling, filled with uncertainty and trials. Yet, Rudy and the kids were my unwavering support system. They saw in me what I couldn’t see in myself during those moments. They didn’t just stand by me; they pushed me, encouraged me, and wouldn’t let me quit even on days when I felt completely drained. Their belief in me was unshakeable, their support was relentless, and their love was unconditional. They are not just part of my story—they are the heart of it.

Together, these incredible sources of inspiration—my faith and my family—have shaped not just the woman I am today but also the chef, coach, mentor, and entrepreneur I have become. They deserve every bit of credit and recognition in my story, for they are the true pillars behind my achievements and my strength.

Website: https://neenaperez.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neenaperez

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neenaperez/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/neenaperez

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neena.perez

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/straighttalknosugaraddedwithneenaperez

Other: https://straighttalknosugaradded.com/
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