Today we’d like to introduce you to Cerlisa Collins.
Cerlisa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
May 2nd, 2021 is a day I’ll never forget. My ex-boyfriend broke into my home and tried to take my life. He shot me four times — twice in my arm, leaving it shattered with broken bones, bullet fragments, and a metal plate, and once in each leg. He pistol-whipped me, dragged me down the stairs, and stabbed me in my head and neck, coming terrifyingly close to hitting an artery. My friend who was there with me was shot twelve times and didn’t survive.
As if that wasn’t enough to survive, two months after the attack, I lost my mother to stage 4 lung cancer. My father had already passed just a year and a half before.
Somehow, I’m still here — trying to piece my life back together without the two people who raised me, carrying scars both seen and unseen. I made it here with God, with the love of the people who refused to let me give up, and with a fierce belief that there must be purpose in all this pain. I’m still figuring it out every day, but survival alone is proof that my story isn’t over.
In the midst of all that tragedy, I found strength I didn’t even know I had. I wrote a book called “I Will Survive,” turning my pain into purpose. Writing became a lifeline — a way to tell my story, to heal, and to remind others that survival is possible even when the odds are stacked against you.
Today, I dedicate my work to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and advocating for lasting change. Every step I’ve taken since has been driven by a passion to ensure others know they are not alone — and that healing and empowerment are possible.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Surviving the brutal attack on May 2nd, 2021 was only part of my story. After the physical wounds began to heal, I was met with a different kind of battle — one that tested my spirit. My attacker, even from prison, tried to continue his control through bullying, and his family sent me threatening messages, hoping to break the little strength I had left. But they underestimated me.
At the same time, life dealt me even deeper losses — my mother passed away from stage 4 lung cancer just two months after the attack, and I was still grieving my father, who died a year and a half earlier. I was forced to rebuild my life while carrying a mountain of grief, fear, and trauma — without my parents by my side.
There were moments when the pain felt endless. But even in the darkness, I chose to fight for my life, my peace, and my future. In the middle of all the chaos and heartache, I wrote my book, “I Will Survive,” not just to tell my story but to claim my victory. I refused to let my pain define me — instead, I used it to create purpose, hope, and proof that even the deepest wounds can heal into something powerful.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Today, I wear a few different hats that all tie back to one core mission: inspiring resilience and empowering others. I’m an author, a public speaker, and a stylist at a luxury handbag store — and through each of these roles, I help people feel seen, confident, and valued.
As an author, I wrote “I Will Survive,” sharing my story of survival and healing after domestic violence. My book isn’t just about my experiences; it’s a testament to hope, faith, and the belief that no matter what you face, you can rebuild your life.
As a stylist, I work with clients in a luxury environment, helping them express themselves through fashion and feel their absolute best. Style is another form of confidence, and I love being part of that transformation.
As a public speaker, I travel to share my story, educate others about the realities of domestic violence, and remind survivors that healing is possible. I speak from the heart because I’ve lived it — and that realness connects deeply with people.
What I’m most proud of is turning my pain into purpose. Many people see the success, but they don’t always see the journey behind it — the battles with grief, trauma, and rebuilding my identity. What sets me apart is that I lead with authenticity. I don’t just talk about overcoming — I live it every single day. My story is raw, my mission is real, and my passion for helping others comes from a place of true survival and strength.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
When it comes to risk-taking, I believe it’s less about being fearless and more about being willing to move forward despite uncertainty. I don’t see risk as something to avoid; I see it as something to manage thoughtfully. To me, the biggest risk is staying stuck in a situation that doesn’t align with my values or goals.
One major risk I took was speaking publicly about personal experiences. At the time, there were no guarantees it would work out, and there were definitely moments of fear. But I knew that not taking the leap of faith would mean living with regret, and that was a bigger risk to me than any potential failure.
Overall, I view risk as a necessary part of growth. It’s not about being reckless — it’s about making informed, brave choices when the opportunity for impact is greater than the fear of failing.
Pricing:
- $20- My book “I will survive”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://womenceewomen.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenceewomen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@CeeMalii
- Other: https://a.co/d/3xp8XKx
Image Credits
Brandon Hughley
