Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana M. Austin.
Hi Dana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I AM A WRITER! I did not always fully embrace it, but today I DO! And I encourage and provide platforms for others to create, express and write!
My first memory of actual enjoying writing was in my fourth-grade creative writing class. Something magical seemed to unfold, as I put words from pen to paper. My purpose was being shaped without me even knowing what a purpose was and would become.
Writing seemed to flow easily for me. I enjoyed the journeys it took me on, allowing me to travel around the globe on pages that I eventually would travel to in person. From as far back as I could remember, being born in the most International city: New York, I always felt like a citizen of the world. My best friends were from China and Puerto Rico. And being bi-cultural, both American and Bermudian, helped to shape my love of people, cultures, customs and foods around the world.
My love of travel, culture and great cuisines, was partially responsible me becoming a Certified Tea Consultant. And for writing and publishing one of the first of my tea treasures: “Tea With Strings Vignettes: Culture, Customs & Recipes.” Some say I am a true tea connoisseur! I say I love people, food and living life to the fullest!
During the onset of the corona virus pandemic, I did not sit by idly. Instead I launched my book, Tea With Strings Vignettes:Culture, Customs & Recipes, that made “Best Seller” in two categories on Amazon: Etiquette & Beverage. I even hosted over 15 virtual Tea Parties in 2020: helping to keep people connected and engaged in the lives of others, while finding reason to dress up and feel great about themselves and something to look forward to enjoying. One of those tea parties hosted was supported by the Global Chamber of commerce. Our next Global Chamber Tea Party will feature the South American region. It will be hosted on Sunday, June 27, 2021, at 2 p.m. EST. Register and join us!
I finished off the incredible, unpredictable 2020 year working in the hospital, as a bedside nurse again. My love of nursing evolved from bedside critical care nurse to nurse educator and clinical researcher. However, the shortage of nurses and rise in COVID 19 cases pulled me back to the bedside to help meet the rising patient demands and nurse shortage. While I was grateful to be able to assist with these critical demands over the course of almost three months, I knew that I needed to be more diligent in caring for myself and my mental wealth, especially during these times. So I continued to write and wrote an anthology of sorts, entitled “It’s In You: Visionaries Thriving During The Pandemic.” This book is set to release late Summer 2021.
I closed the year 2020, as only I could, gathering a group of awesome writers and hosting my first, Annual Transformational Writers Conference. It was largely virtual, attracting attendees from as far as India, Africa and the United Kingdom, Flordia and as close as Georgia, New York, Texas, Oregon and more. A beautiful collective of authors, brand ambassadors, publishers, entrepreneurs, songwriter, and coaches assembled. We collectively provided a wealth of resources for novice and even seasoned writers to sharpen and shape their writing skills.
Lives were transformed and writers were born!
The second annual Transformational Writers Conference will be held in the beautiful, tropical island of Puerto Rico in December 2021. No passport needed if you’re from the U.S.! Only need to register, pack light and come with an open, joie de vivre and a ready mindset. The dates are December 2-5, 2021. See details on DanaAustinSpeaks.com or TransformationalWritersConference.com
My rich personal, experiences and being a published author allows me to speak across varied subject matters, namely motivational, clinical research & inspirational and Tea Ceremonies,. My mantra remains, “I WRITE. I SPEAK. I INSPIRE.” Be on the look out for your Ted Talk Speaker ,Who Speaks Life!
And at the end of the day, we all have to eat! Another one of my creative outlets and passions is creating mouth-watering, savory, International dishes from my world travels and my heart. As a strong finisher in the International Favorite Chef competition in 2021, finishing 3rd out of thousands, in the HERO category, through the support of my friends and family, we helped feed thousands through the Feeding America program: I am still in splendid awe of my finish! It was a teachable moment of the value in showing up as your true, full authentic self and to watch the world of opportunity unfold. And to do it with style, class, panache and grateful humility is key. As a self-taught, personal chef, this was a cherry on the top of the early parts of 2021. I would love to one day be on a cooking show and perhaps CHOP for home chefs. So In the words of one of my Sheroe, Oprah, I am gonna run on to see what the end of 2021 looks like. Join me to see what I am cooking up next. Follow me on social media pages @SavorLeFlavor Come experience some of my creative dishes that comes “From My Heart, To Your Table” Website: SavorLeFlavor.com
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?Obstacles are part of the journey. How we navigate them is key. And this poem was just birthed when thinking of the many obstacles I’ve encountered and have overcome.
“This road that I continue on has not been an easy road you see. But It’s a road made just for me. I’ve climbed high and I’ve slipped low, but back to the top is the only way to go. I’ve learned from my dips and shine from the top, but one thing for sure, I will never stop. I keep on pressing on, learning as I go. And one thing life continues to teach me is you must thank God for the lessons and always desire to grow. So. Here. I. Grow.” by Dana M. Austin (c) 2021.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I believe in the power of words and know that what follows I AM, has been historically powerful and life changing. So I declare decree that I AM more powerful than imaginable. I AM a connector, connection people with places and spaces that reshape their trajectory. I AM wise to know that life’s past has help to grow me up into the beautiful, God-fearing, compassionate women, sister, auntie, friend and future wife and lover to my King. I AM beautiful. And I AM here!
When I speak, I put words in motion that lift, loves and leaves one with hope: Hoping for the best; Hoping for what’s next. I Speak Life!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
APPS: Google Translates, Google Docs, Evernote, Blooksy, Canva, Spark Post
BOOKS:
The Word of God,
The Power of The Other, Dr. Henry Cloud,
The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant,
The 7 Step Guide To Authorpreneurship, by Rochelle Carter,
The 8th Habit by Stephen R. Covey,
Tea With Strings Vignettes: Culture, Customs & Recipes by Lady Dana Austin,
Strategic Principles For Women In Leadership, Necole F. Turner, JD
My Will Or His Will: Who Is Your GPS Devotional by Stefanie Austin
Pricing:
- Writers Consult: Free
- Speaking Engagement: $1,500 and up
- Transformational Writers Conference: Early Bird $397 Full Price $497
Contact Info:
- Email: DanaAustinSpeaks@gmail.com
- Website: www.DanaAustinSpeaks.comor www.TransformationalWritersConference.com
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/DanaAustinSpeaks/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/DanaAustinSpeaks/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/speaksdana
