Attorney, Entrepreneur, Award-Winning Author, Speaker, Strategist, Mentor, and Coach… There is nothing Ellie Shefi can’t do, however, it wasn’t always easy for her either. She is the very definition of tenacious. Having overcome a lifetime of adversity, including abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, cancer, and a myriad of other health issues that have seen her defy the doctors’ death deadlines for over two decades, Ellie has mastered mindset, resiliency, and resourcefulness, and she has dedicated her life to empowering others.
With this mindset and fight, Ellie has turned her sights on helping others here in California and across the country find their own voice/passions, and turn it into success.
With lots on the horizon, we spoke with Ellie more about her life, career, books, passions and more!
1. Why is helping people tell their story so important to you?
Because I know what it’s like to be unseen, unheard, and unvalued. Time and time again, I’ve had my voice silenced or disregarded. I’ve experienced abuse, rape, domestic violence, homelessness, cancer, and more. But I’ve overcome these obstacles, found my voice, shared my story, and thrived through adversity. And these successes have instilled in me a drive and determination to give a voice to the voiceless; to fight for justice, equality, and opportunity; to teach, mentor, and empower. I’m committed to using the skills and strategies I’ve learned along the way to provide others with the tools, resources, and platforms they need to find their voice and share their story.
So to those of you reading this, I say: No matter who you are or what your life circumstances may have been, your life matters, your voice matters, and your message matters. Your journey is powerful. Your story is powerful. And someone in the world is waiting for you to share your story as only you can!
This I know to be true: Writing your story will transform you, but sharing your story will transform others! Speak your truth. Share your struggle. Tell your story! If you’re stuck or need support, reach out! Connect with me and let’s get your story out into the world!
2. What about living and working in California inspires you daily?
First, I am inspired by California’s diversity—diversity of people, perspectives, cultures, food, art, music, and experiences. I love that California is a microcosm of the world. Second, I am inspired by California’s abundance of nature! I am so grateful to live here, where the weather is beautiful and I can immerse myself in nature—at the beach, in the mountains, in a park or garden, or on a trail. Beyond inspiration, nature provides me with a space to connect, reflect, and be still, which facilitates clarity of purpose, priorities, strategies, and solutions.
3. What advice do you have for Californians who may be struggling right now?
First and foremost, these have been challenging, uncertain, and stressful times, so it’s important to practice self-care. Take advantage of California’s natural beauty to relax and tune into your thoughts, feelings, hopes, and dreams. And be confident that they are valid and they matter! Next, know that you are not alone! Connect with others, share, and ask for help when you need it.
Also, stand guard at the gate of your mind! Choose empowering meanings and recognize that what you focus on you’ll find. So train yourself to be solution-focused and to find the good, find the lessons, and find the blessings in everything. Concentrate on what you can control and release that which you cannot. Be grateful for all that has happened, all that is happening, and all that is yet to come. Do something every day that moves the needle toward the accomplishment of your goals. Celebrate progress (no matter how small). And finally, know that you are stronger and more resourceful than you think! You are powerful beyond measure, and you can, and will, get through it!
4. You have an upcoming book in which you collaborated with other women, called Women Who Shine, that will be available on Amazon on August 25th. What did you share in this book and what can readers be on the lookout for? Tease us!
Women Who Shine is an inspiring compilation of stories from 30+ best-selling female authors who have overcome tremendous adversity and, as a result, now unapologetically shine their light out into the world.
In Women Who Shine, I share my journey from homelessness, abuse, and cancer to a flourishing life of service as an attorney, entrepreneur, international speaker, strategist, consultant, coach, best-selling author, and philanthropist. In my piece, “Be a Force for Good,” I share stories of my life’s experiences to guide you through seven lessons to help you find your voice and stand in your power so that you can shine your light, amplify your impact, and truly live as a force for good.
5. You’re holding an event in Orange County in September called “You Are Not Your Scars™.” Can you tell us more about it?
Absolutely! You Are Not Your Scars™ is a 3-day immersive workshop for women who are sick and tired of being confined by the chains of life’s circumstances, sick and tired of being caged by past traumas, and sick of tired of being defined by the labels and expectations of others. Over the course of our 3 days together, participants will break free from the external labels, demands, and expectations of others. They will find their voice, step into their power, and decide for themselves who they are, what they stand for, and what they want their life and legacy to be. Armed with that clarity, they will then create an implementable action plan to successfully chart their new course.
Immense transformation happens when a woman becomes unapologetically herself—when she stands in her power, fully aligned with who she truly is. You Are Not Your Scars™ teaches women to become the full embodiment of their authentic selves, and to become the architect of the life they desire. For more information about the workshop, feel free to email me at ellie@ellieshefi.com. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have!
6. What other things here in California do you have planned for the rest of 2021?
When SuccessOnomics, a book I collaborated on with the legendary Jack Canfield, is released in September, we will have a book release party in Los Angeles. Later in September, I will be inducted into the National Academy of Best-Selling Authors, where I will be honored with a Quilly award. I definitely look forward to that red carpet award event in Hollywood!
When my podcast launches later this year, I will host a launch event, the proceeds of which will benefit the Made 2 Change the World™ Foundation (made2change.org), my nonprofit organization that equips and empowers the next generation with the tools, resources, and strategies they need to create the lives, the communities, and the world they envision.
Beyond that, I have quite a few interviews and appearances. And, of course, I will continue speaking, consulting, and coaching my clients, many of whom are here locally in Southern California. 2021 is a busy year for me, and I couldn’t be more excited for everything happening over the next few months.
7. What quote pushes you forward in your life each and every day?
There are actually three quotes that drive my life.
“If you ask me what I came into this world to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud,” by Émile Zola, encapsulates my life philosophy. It reminds me to seize each moment of every day, to say “yes” to opportunities that arise and figure out “how” along the way, and to be unapologetically me. It represents my absolutely unstoppable nature and my unwavering drive to live fully and to truly change the world.
“Life happens for me, not to me” and “Change your story, change your life,” both by Tony Robbins, have been my guiding forces since I first heard them as a child. By embracing these principles, I have been able to train myself to find and choose empowering meanings in even the most trying events and circumstances, to live in gratitude, and to actively seek the good, find the solution, recognize the opportunity, and look for the lesson in all that happens in my life. This has allowed me to master my mindset, grow, make consistent progress, and, ultimately, become successful.