Today we’d like to introduce you to Cecilia Columbus.
Hi Cecilia , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I came out of an abusive relationship that left me feeling broken and unsure of who I was. On top of that, I was dealing with deep church hurt. The kind that doesn’t just bruise you, it leaves you questioning your faith, your voice, and your worth. I was carrying guilt, shame, pain, isolation, and unforgiveness, all while trying to show up like everything was okay.
I kept going, kept smiling, kept pouring, but deep down, I was tired. I didn’t feel seen. I didn’t feel whole. I didn’t feel like me.
But God met me in that place. Right there in the middle of the mess. He walked me through healing, through therapy, through prayer, through forgiveness, and through learning how to be honest with myself. Slowly, I started to rise. I found my voice again. And when I did, I knew I couldn’t keep quiet.
Now I’m leading an anthology project that gives women the space to share their truth and heal through it. I’m writing my own story with boldness and clarity. I’m coaching women who are ready to release shame, overcome self-doubt, and step into who God created them to be. And I’m podcasting to remind every woman listening that she’s not alone, she’s not too far gone, and she still has purpose.
I’m still growing. I’m still healing. But now, I’m doing it with my head held high. And I’m walking fully in what God has called me to do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been smooth at all. There were times I was fighting through fear, trauma, confusion, and straight-up self-sabotage. Even after I left the relationships that were breaking me, I was still carrying everything they left behind emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I doubted myself. I questioned if I was good enough. I had to rebuild not just my life, but my identity.
There were moments I wanted to quit. Real talk. I’ve dealt with financial hardship, feeling unsupported, and trying to create something new while still healing from the old. I was showing up for everybody else but barely holding myself together behind the scenes. But deep down, I knew my healing wasn’t just about me. God didn’t pull me out just so I could sit still. He pulled me out so I could help pull others too.
Every single struggle taught me something. It gave me strength, compassion, and the fire to keep going. I’m still growing. Still becoming. But the woman I am today is no longer hiding. She’s walking in purpose, and she’s making space for other women to rise too.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a visionary, author, poet, empowerment coach, podcast host, speaker, and educator, but above all, I’m a woman walking in purpose. My work is rooted in helping women heal, rediscover their voice, and turn their pain into purpose. I create safe spaces where stories can be shared, shame can be released, and healing can begin. Whether through writing, coaching, or speaking, everything I do is grounded in freedom, faith, and transformation.
I’ve contributed to bestselling anthology projects and now lead my own titled Letting Go to Become Her. This project highlights the powerful stories of women who have released shame, self-doubt, and pain in order to become the woman God has called them to be. I’m also writing my book, Breaking the Chains: Freedom Through the Fire, which shares my personal journey of survival, faith, and restoration.
I host the Rise to Freedom podcast, where I speak on self-worth, forgiveness, healing, and boldly walking in your calling. Through my poetry, I give voice to emotions many carry in silence. My writing is raw, honest, and soul-deep.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just create content, I create connection. I don’t just tell stories, I help activate healing. I speak to the parts of people that have been quiet for too long, and everything I share comes from a place of truth, faith, and the desire to see others walk in wholeness and freedom.
How do you define success?
I define success as deeply personal and led by God. It’s not about money, titles, or what people see on the outside. For me, success is about walking in alignment with the purpose God placed inside of me. It’s choosing obedience over approval and trusting His plan, even when it doesn’t always make sense.
There are things I’ve accomplished that I once only prayed for. I’ve seen goals from my vision board come to life, but more than that, I’ve seen how God has carried me through trauma, heartbreak, and healing. That’s what success looks like to me, knowing what I’ve overcome, what I’ve survived, and how God still chose to use me through it all.
Success isn’t about having it all together. It’s about trusting God while you’re still becoming. It’s being able to look back and say, “Only God could have brought me through that.”
I believe success is ongoing. It’s the ability to grow, to evolve, and to stay faithful no matter what season you’re in. I may not have reached every goal yet, but I know I’m walking in the right direction. I’m not chasing perfection. I’m following purpose. And that’s what success truly means to me.
Pricing:
- Anthology Contributor Package: $597
- One-on-One Empowerment Hour Coaching Session: $97
- Special Education Advocacy Consultation (20 minutes): Free
- Digital Products and Resources: Range from $9 to $497
- Podcast Guest Feature (for aligned topics): Free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.cmcolumbusenterprise.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risewithcecilia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/12MWYc3Ao2Z/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-m-columbus-2aba26148
- Other: https://FreedomEncourages.com
Image Credits
Michael Shots Photography
