Another Chance at Life
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog that highlights stories of black women’s struggles and success.
By Hadiatou Wann | 05/10/19
Cindy Similien-Johnson recalls having an interest in writing as early as when she was in grade school. To some, writing can be as challenging as dragging themselves to the gym. But to Cindy, “writing is as easy as breathing.”
“Once you have a gift in writing, it keeps flowing. The only way it will stop is if you stop,” said the Haitain-American author and entrepreneur.
In 2013, Cindy suffered from depression after experiencing a traumatic event. She didn't have any hope to continue living and wanted to take her life.
Cindy's pastor suggested she give God one year of her life. After she pondered over her pastor's words, Cindy decided that she was going to devote one year of her life to serve God. If things didn't get better, she was going to end her life.
Luckily, God gave her another chance at life. Not only did Cindy come out of that dark moment a stronger person, she found a new calling—to help others discover their voices. She turned her “pain into purpose.” She has since launched a publishing company (CSJ Media Publishing), is the author of more than 15 books—motivational, cook, and children's books—and has helped many publish their books.
Cindy is a graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University, where she majored in English and pre-med. Her goal was to go through a 2-year residency and 4 years fellowship in order to become a pediatrician. But decided to follow her calling of writing books that reflected her values and helping others share their stories through the written word.
Cindy is grateful that God gave her a chance to restart her life and find hope in her dreams again. “[God will] take the worst thing that happened to you and make it the best thing that happened to you,” she said.
Over the years, we've seen many celebrities take their lives due to depression. Each time a celebrity takes his or her life, the world is perplexed as though celebrities are real life super heroes who aren't supposed to suffer from a mental illness. “Society sees celebrities as invincible and not human,” Cindy said. “A lot of people are not aware how serious depression is.”
Since Cindy recuperated from depression and focused on maximizing her talents, many doors have opened for her. As each door openened for her, she reached out and opened a door for others.
Margarette Tropnas, one of Cindy's mentors, says: "Cindy and I served together on the Board of the United Nations USA-Brooklyn Chapter, where I am the current President. Cindy is thoughtful, smart and always willing to offer a helping hand. She was very efficient in assisting with our social media platform.”
Cindy has received accolades for her talents and dedicating her time and efforts to helping her community thrive.
Her mentor added: “Cindy is very talented and has written books on cooking and children. She is a role model for the youth in our community. Cindy is the recipient of “Stars Under 40,” an Award given out by Schneps Media to young affluent youth in the community who are making a difference in our lives.”
In 2013, Cindy Similien-Johnson founded Goal Chic, an initiative dedicated to inspire, encourage, and empower women and girls through workshops, conferences, and mentorship program to equip them with the tools they need to be successful in their finances, careers & purpose, relationships, and health & wellness.
Goal Chic first began as a blog where Cindy used it as a platform to showcase women who overcame obstacles to achieve success. In 2015, she decided to take it a step further when she learned of an incident where a teenage girl was brutally beaten at a local restaurant in Brooklyn, NY. The young woman was hospitalized. When Cindy saw the pictures of the girls who were charged with the attack, she was in complete disbelief. "The girls could have been anyone's sister. I could have passed them by on the streets," she said.
Cindy remembered the words of a local community leader/activist, who had challenged the community to be a part of the solution instead of the problem (i.e. castigation, shame, etc.).
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem," he said. Cindy continued, "I thought to myself, 'What can I do? I'm only a writer.' Then, I decided to revive the Goal Chic blog, re-write and re-launch the book, 'Goal Chic: Changing the World, One Goal at a Time,' and create a program that will touch the lives of women and young girls in my community in Brooklyn." Every year since 2016, she has held an annual Goal Chic Empowerment Conference in her community.
Every circumstance shapes the person we are and the path we are destined to follow. Cindy found her calling after overcoming a traumatic experience. Then, she used her talents to bring to life stories that impact, and empowered others to believe that they, too, have a voice.
Welcome to Cindy S. Johnson’s World
“When you see fruits, it’s because of the seeds I have planted.”
“The best part about being Haitian American is the food. I first learned about my heritage through the cuisine.”
“Success is being able to not only provide for yourself, but provide for others and others in need. If you are not able to leverage your fame to help others, that is not success. I love the ability to be creative and creating different sources of imcome so I can impact the life of others.”
“‘Living Expectantly’ is a book about living life with expectations only from God who can fulfill or go beyond our desires.”
“Never give up! God has a plan for you.”
“I am thrilled whenever I see a child read one of my books. I know that I am shaping their young minds to see the world, especially Haiti, in a different light.”
“A strong woman is being able to face anything that is thrown at her and stand her ground.”
“When you have a vision, take that first step. Once you take that step, it will lead you on a path that you never expected. ”
In 2016, Cindy was a recipient of the “Stars Under 40” award
“I felt honored when I received the recognition.The award is an added bonus to what I am doing.”
“I want to be happy wherever I am.”
Connect with Cindy:
Facebook: Beloved Cindy S.
Instagram: @csjmediapublishing
Email: csjmediapublishing@gmail.com
website: csjmediapublishing.blogspot.com
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.com/blog
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