REfashiond Icon | Cynthia Magallanes

We are finally getting ready to roll out all of our icons! We have been working hard behind the scenes to get them all photographed and interviewed and ready to introduce to you!

If you are new to Success REfashiond Icon, you might be a tad unsure about what this is all about. This is all about us, as women, stepping into our power and embracing the way we do success differently. It's the idea that you can be feminine and powerful. That courage dances hand-in-hand with vulnerability, that we rise stronger, together and that connections are massively important as we grow ourselves and our businesses. It's where success is meticulously REfashiond to align with each woman and the beat of her own heart and desires. It's about duality and that we exist in that. If you haven't had a chance to visit our website and page on it, order a past magazine or want to dive in more to what this is all about, you can find it here: https://jkstucson.com/theredmag - go ahead and open that up and save it, and come back here first to read more on Cynthia.

Now this phenomenal woman, one of our upcoming REfashiond Icons, is one seriously remarkable human. Setting out to make a difference in human trafficking she created a boutique that gives back, a book that helps children process after trauma, and is a mom who has set out to create a better safer world for her babies. Join me as we walk alongside Cynthia, a true beacon of empowerment, and discover how she crafts new definitions of success, creates healing for herself and others, and continues to inspire us all.

Interview with Cynthia Megallanas

Jessica: What does RED symbolize for you?

Cynthia: Red means boldness to me! I never feel more confident than when I wear my red lipstick and I take on whatever comes my way that day. It is a color that reminds me that I am deeply loved and therefore I can love others deeply.

Jessica: What does Success REfashiond Mean to you?

Cynthia: It means breaking all the stigmas and cookie-cutter definitions of success. It's the reformation of doing what you have been divinely empowered to do and becoming the best version of yourself through it. I was taught that success meant having money or material things, and while I believe those things are important, true success is being YOU through it all. I have seen many betray themselves and their beliefs to "be" successful. What's the point of gaining the whole world and losing the essence of who you are?

So Success REfashioned is an invitation to allow yourself to create new definitions.

Jessica: Tell us about you

Cynthia: I am a Mexican immigrant girl who never imagined growing up and becoming the woman I am today! While my childhood was sadly shattered because of sexual abuse, my gritty and determined self rose from those ashes and now I use my story to help others walk in freedom and healing. I can truly say I'm successful in all the things that matter most to me. I am a wife, a mom to three beautiful kiddos, an author, an entrepreneur, a coach, and a pastor who deeply loves Jesus and the people I get to love and serve.

Jessica: Tells us about what you do.

Cynthia: Where do I start? First, I think I do A LOT of healing.

Inner healing for myself has translated into creating tools and resources for others to heal. Every project and business that I have ventured into has a mission attached to it. That is to see the restoration of women and girls to know their worth and value after trauma. This began with Free Ever After Bridal Boutique, a mission-driven resale boutique that helps local brides find their perfect wedding dress while partnering with and supporting nonprofits that provide services to survivors of sexual trauma. Free Ever After Boutique helped me grow, heal, and now it helps me empower others.

I also wrote a children's book, The Princess Who Forgot Her Name, to help children process shame and fear after trauma (book one from a series of 3). I also created a course and published a workbook and devotional called Life Beyond Shame, From Survivor to Thriver After Sexual Trauma. This course helps women learn how to thrive and not just survive after their trauma. I have the privilege to coach women who've survived sexual trauma and are ready to thrive.

Lastly, my husband and I recently became pastors of a small house church (The Gathering House), where we get to love people the way Jesus loves them.

Jessica: Why is the work you do so important?

Cynthia: It is important because many people have experienced hurt and trauma and want and need hope. My businesses and each of my products or services do that. Inspire hope.

Jessica: Who are 2-3 women who made huge influences on your life?

Cynthia: My grandmother, my mother, and my sister. Each has endured and overcome so much that their determination inspires me.

Jessica: What was a struggle you remember facing when you began?

Cynthia: I didn't believe I was smart enough to do this [entrepreneurship]. I struggled so much with imposter syndrome. I constantly felt like I wasn't good enough for entrepreneurship. 

Jessica: What was a moment where you felt like you had to be brave? Something that was scary for you, but you got through it anyway? 

Cynthia: It was scary when I had to shut down my nonprofit and felt like a failure. It took bravery to decide what was best for my health and my family then. I took every ounce of courage to acknowledge that I couldn't do it all and that it was ok not to be ok.

Jessica: What is your biggest accomplishment?

Cynthia: My biggest accomplishment was publishing my first book. More than just writing a children's book, the process became a healing restoration of my childhood. It's been the most beautiful gift.

Jessica: What do you wish you had known when starting out?

Cynthia: That most entrepreneurs have no idea what they're doing either!

Jessica: If you lost everything and had to start over with your business, right now in a new place, what are the first things you would do to build your business?

Cynthia: This is such a difficult question. If I were to lose everything, I'd go for a luxury survivor-designed wedding dress line instead of building a resale bridal boutique again. I cannot see myself operating the business without the original inspiration and mission. It would just look a little different.

Jessica: What is your favorite quote?

Cynthia: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. You're playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. By Marianne Williamson

Jessica: Do you have a favorite local restaurant?

Cynthia: My favorite restaurant is Carnitas La Yoca. They have the best carnitas and freshly made corn tortillas that make my mouth water to just think of them. YUM!

Jessica: If your best friend was visiting Tucson for the first time, what other favorite local places or hidden gems would you take them to?

Cynthia: Gates pass at sunset, Madera Canyon hike, and a stop at "Why I Love Where I Live" for gifts and souvenirs.

Jessica: What's Your hype song? What would you walk out on stage to?

Cynthia: Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars... no story just a fun song to get the party started!

Jessica: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Cynthia: My power would be teleportation! I'd be traveling all over the world withough worrying about layovers.

Jessica: On a scale of 1 - 10, how weird are you really?

Cynthia: Depends on who you ask, my kids would say 9! 

Jessica: Tell us about your awards, accolades and notable mentions!

Cynthia: I was named Badass Woman of Tucson in 2016, Won the Human Trafficking Awareness Award From Beauty From Ashes Ranch in 2019, and was nominated for Tucson Women of Impact in 2020.

Jessica: Where would you like people to go to find you or find out more about what you do?

 Cynthia: www.cynthiamarisol.com www.facebook.com/mrsmagallanes www.instagram.com/lifebeyondshame

Creative Credits:

REfashiond Icon: Cynthia Magallanes

Photography by Jessica Korff Studios

Makeup by: Renee Lanz | Radiate with ReneeJ