Testimonials:

Roni Edwards is Director of Pamodzi Creatives & Dance-Africa Pamodzi, which means ‘together’ is a Community Interest Company that supports PARCS (Portsmouth Abuse & Rape Counselling www.parcs.org.uk) through the Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Project. The project includes an apprenticeship scheme, a nomination process & award event, as well as community story telling projects. Pamodzi has also been involved in creative dance-theatre collaborations that tackle social themes such as the refugee crisis and domestic violence. Dance-Africa aims to facilitate creative collaborations for young people in disadvantaged communities in Zambia & Kenya. It also continues to learn how to best empower and support young people to gain employable workplace skills & currently runs a school sponsorship program for street-children. Roni is also a Specialist curriculum-led dance practitioner trained at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Dance.

Exploring, creating, experimenting & doing since 1987. I have always been very curious about the world and why things are the way they are, not being afraid to challenge the norms. I think my parents would describe me as determined, independent, stubborn and maybe a little bossy!

As someone who under performed at school, with no interest in college and moving from one job to another due to the lack of stimulation to grow but also to continue to challenge my own ability and push my boundaries. One thing that has been very consistent is the urge to go it alone and have my own business. Having more recently experienced life changing situations my mind has shifted from being super career focused to a drive for self- awareness, which I believe must come first in order to create the lifestyle your desire, then followed by the things to make that happen, i.e. starting your own business.

In 2019 the LDV brand was born, an idea that has evolved over time however the fundamental principle hasn’t changed. To live in a world more personally and business aware, leaving a positive impact on others whilst creating a more fulfilled life.

Aryana Neo is a producer and presenter for BBC Radio Solent, and community radio station Unity 101 in Southampton.

Aryana is passionate about communicating and sharing stories from a variety of communities and backgrounds, with the aim to give others a voice to be heard.
With a corporate background within banking, helping businesses grow, and a current business engagement manager, Aryana has great experience in relationships management and business strategy skills, which she shares in this book. Aryana has a background in law and holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminology.

And fun fact about Aryana is she is an experienced pageant queen, winning UK titles which have taken her around the world. Being able to present and speak on stage, as well as walk the catwalks for competitions.
Aryana adds her honest thoughts and experience, as well as a little bit of sass and energy into her chapter!

Claire Marsh is a fitness athlete and coach who owns and manages a specialist CrossFit gymnasium in Portsmouth, The Box Portsmouth.
With three decades of experience in various competitive sports Claire trains others to unlock personal potential, build confidence and improve their self-esteem through performance-based fitness.

From developing a group of children to become world champion street dancers to coaching a 70-year-old to undertake her first handstand Claire has worked with hundreds of people, of all ages and abilities, to push past physical and mental barriers to truly excel past limiting beliefs.
Claire is particularly passionate about coaching kids and teenagers to install a positive, can do attitude towards fitness so that they can perform at their absolute best and transfer essential skills learnt to tackle challenges in other aspects of life.

My world of work has, for the most part, been immersed in education; science teacher through to secondary headteacher. Now I find myself as the director of my own business, Plan A Dynamic Consulting. I use my experience and love of learning to develop others with motivational consultancy. Starting a business has taught me how to take risks and I love the creativity of channelling my work into the heart of what matters.

Sonia Mundey is a single mum of two lovely kids, a girl and a boy. A talented interior designer, she runs her own business, creating beautiful spaces for her clients. As a Christian, her faith and trust in God saw her through the difficult years of an abusive marriage and its subsequent break up. She survived – and now she’s thriving, resilient and stronger than ever!