From self-love to community care, meet 15 lightworkers illuminating and transforming the world.
– KEYS SOULCARE
Every moment holds the potential for transformation and our lightworker community has always been on the frontlines, pioneering new paths of influence and inspiration. As 2023 comes to a close, we’re taking a look back at 15 remarkable individuals who have been reshaping the world in the realms of beauty, art, fashion, and activism. Consider this an invitation to explore the captivating stories of ordinary souls who have been tirelessly shaping the world in their own extraordinary ways.
Join us in uplifting their inspiring messages and let their radiant light guide your own transformative journey.
1. COLE ARTHUR RILEY
Cole Arthur Riley, founder of Black Liturgies, is one of Alicia’s favorite authors and spiritual teachers. In her bestselling book, This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us, she shares the sanctity of humanity through intergenerational anecdotes and dialogue. Riley’s highest vision is to integrate spiritual practice with Black literature, emotion, and the Black body, grounding individuals in the complexity and dignity of their selfhood.
As she eloquently puts it, “I want to see us closer to our true selves and grounded in the complexity and dignity of our selfhood. And I think that journey can only be taken in the company of others.”
2. OMISADE BURNEY-SCOTT
Omisade Burney-Scott, the visionary behind Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause, is destigmatizing the relationship between aging and the body by centering Black women, femmes, and gender-expansive individuals over 50. Her mission is to challenge assumptions and advocate for bodily autonomy. Through her vulnerability and platform, Omi is broadening and normalizing conversations on menopause as a powerful reminder that regardless of age or circumstance, everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued in their journey.
3. HAIFA HAMAD
Haifa Hamad, the creator of Made With Love Ceramics, shines as a lightworker from the Sunshine Coast of Australia. Her journey into pottery and high-vibrational “I AM” affirmations began as a response to her quest for self-empowerment. Her guiding word for 2023 was “trust,” as she unlearned the external notions of safety while choosing to reconnect with her inner sense of security. Haifa’s go-to affirmation is, “I am free,” a powerful reminder of her boundless potential and freedom in all aspects of life.
4. ELLEN YIN
Ellen Yin, a multi-figure entrepreneur, is all about financial transparency and empowering women to secure the bag through entrepreneurship. As the founder of Cubicle to CEO, she highlights the inspiring stories of women-owned businesses with revenues ranging from $100,000 to $100 million. Ellen’s commitment to financial transparency shines through her company’s culture of trust and community. She believes that for entrepreneurs, community is everything, emphasizing that relationships are the true assets in the journey. With a natural gift for brightening the light in others, she leaves a ripple effect of positivity wherever she goes.
5. KEN NWADIKE JR.
Ken Nwadike Jr., the inspirational lightworker behind the Free Hugs Project, brings love to the frontlines and defines peace as the bridge between opposing sides, fostering understanding and more genuine connections. His mantra of victory propels him to overcome challenges and continue striving for a legacy of positive change. “Even though it can be really heavy on your heart, I find comfort in the conversations I get to have with people. The interactions I’ve experienced when I’m out in spaces are healing.”
6. SHAQUITA GARCIA
In the bustling heart of Cleveland, Shaquita Garcia — the creative force behind @TheModernHouseWifeyNY — was quietly evolving into a New York fashion icon. With a style that she describes as “eclectic, edgy, and colorful,” Shaquita’s journey hasn’t always been one of self-assured confidence. She battled through bullying and adversity, and ultimately found herself in the city that never sleeps, where her love for fashion became essential to her identity. Shaquita’s transformation through motherhood and her inspiring story underscores the power of resilience and self-expression. Her mantra of “creating happiness in the little moments” serves as a beacon of hope for anyone seeking to rediscover themselves in the role of motherhood.
7. IVAN LAM
Ivan Lam‘s journey is a testament to the power of self-love and transformation. They’ve learned to embrace their unique features and move beyond societal expectations, focusing on their values and a profound connection with themselves. In Ivan’s words, “Your career and your partner might only sometimes be there, but one thing you can count on is your relationship with yourself.” This inspiring lightworker emphasizes the importance of investing in self-care, taking risks, and believing in the safety net that appears when you leap into the unknown.
8. RAYYA ANSARI
Rayya Ansari is breaking boundaries in the beauty world as a Black Muslim influencer. As one of the faces of It’s Like Skin 2-in-1 Concealer + Tint, she’s redefining beauty standards with unwavering style. Rayya’s journey has been shaped by her commitment to representation and the importance of embracing her unique identity: “There’s the struggle of not wanting to be seen as the token representative yet still desiring to be present to represent others. It’s a balancing act, but creating a path for future generations is essential.” Rayya’s story is a testament to the power of celebrating one’s identity and inspiring others to do the same.
9. KALEIGH FASANELLA
Beauty writer and editor Kaleigh Fasanella shared her inspiring skin journey with Netherton syndrome and the path to embracing her beauty. She gifted Keys Soulcare with a powerful message of self-kindness, reminding us that our worth extends far beyond our skin: “I want to encourage anyone facing similar challenges to remember they are not alone. Embracing your unique skin story and owning your power is a process, and it’s okay to have tough days. Be kind to yourself, surround yourself with positivity, and remember that your character and how you make people feel are what truly matter.”
10. AYAKO YOSHIMURA
Ayako Yoshimura, the visionary makeup artist behind Addiction by Ayako, let us in on her remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Japan to becoming a world-renowned makeup artist. She gave us the scoop on her long-standing collaboration with our Goddess-in-Chief Alicia Keys, saying, “I started working with Alicia during her debut around 23 years ago,” she reveals, “Alicia’s skin is younger than it was 20 years ago, especially when she started Keys Soulcare.”
11. SOPHIA BENTAHER
Sophia Bentaher, the globetrotting lightworker with French-Moroccan roots, opened up to Keys Soulcare about how her travels have led her to discover the idea of home within herself. She says, “Home is a feeling to me; it’s not a place. I carry home with me.” Her journey into storytelling and writing has become her way of soulcare, offering both connection and groundedness amid her ever-evolving surroundings.
12. PERCELL DUGGER
Percell Dugger, the force behind Goodwrk and Fit For Us, is shaking up the fitness world while tackling health disparities in marginalized communities. He champions movement as the ultimate act of self-love and is committed to making wellness accessible to all. Percell’s mission is to overturn health disparities, foster equitable outcomes, and create safe spaces for wellness, emphasizing that your appearance does not define your value.
13. KITTY GONZALEZ
Kitty Gonzalez went from corporate life to cultivating emotional intelligence. Kitty’s unique role as Chief Wellness Officer at Little Words Project combines marketing insights with her intuitive abilities to nurture her passion for building relationships. She emphasizes the importance of affirmations and rituals in her life, using them as tools for realignment and self-love. Kitty’s highest vision is to embody empathy, wisdom, and non-judgmental love, offering unwavering support to others. “My ultimate goal is to strengthen my love and acceptance for myself.”
14. PRISCILLA LOOMIS
Priscilla Loomis transcended her Olympic glory to embrace a mission of upliftment. “My mission now is to be the rising tide that lifts all ships by helping others to find their passions and embrace their unique gifts,” Priscilla told Keys Soulcare. Affirmations played a vital role in her transformation; by shifting self-talk from negative to positive, leading her to appreciate her natural beauty and a legacy of empowering individuals to shine their light unapologetically.
15. ALIANA LOPEZ
Makeup artist Aliana Lopez is a true lightworker in the beauty business. Her dedication to redefining beauty standards stems from her 15-year-long career in the makeup industry, where she learned the power of embracing her bare-faced beauty above all else. “Makeup should enhance your beauty, not mask it,” she shared with Keys Soulcare as she continues to encourage natural beauty while providing the tools for self-expression when desired. For those on a quest for self-confidence, Aliana plays a significant role in creating an inclusive, empowering brand focusing on meaningful connections and beauty education for all.
Who’s your favorite lightworker of 2023? Share who’s inspiring you in the comments!
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