Check out our interview with survivor & childhood trauma expert Lacy Nicole who has created new Shame to Sparkle Foundation which will focus on advocacy & mental health resources- specifically in the space of trauma & PTSD – for those in need. After being diagnosed with several autoimmune diseases & infertility due to endometriosis, Lacy decided to shift her perspective to help others who are combating shame.
Her entire “Shame to Sparkle” brand is aimed at covering meaningful topics such as living with autoimmune diseases, attachment style, healing, and obstacles that lead us into shame. This is a space to change the little voice inside your head that says “tone yourself down,” into “it’s showtime.. sparkle!” Lacy highlights the importance of mental health, overcoming traumas, & some fun… to become the hero in our own story.
The luncheon launch of Shame to Sparkle Foundation launch was June 4th at Pelican Hill Resort, in Newport Coast. Guests indulged in Italian cuisine overlooking the ocean. Guest speakers included Lacy Nicole (Shame to Sparkle); Terra Newell of Dirty John, and Dr. David Mahjoubi. Celebrity Guests included Audrina Patridge (The Hills), RHOC alum Gretchen Rossi, Lizzie, Peggy Tannous, Terra Newell (Dirty John), Polina Chebotareva, Keni Silva (RHOC), Mimi Morris (Bling Empire).
Follow Lacy @lacyoc & @shametosparkle
Can you describe yourself in 3 words?
Resilient, Loyal, Kind
What is that one thing or that one lesson that you wish you knew at the start of your career?
The meaning of imposter syndrome and how it only exists in our minds.
Why you have chosen this field of specialty?
The space of mental health and advocacy for those in need is my life’s mission. I believe we all come to this earth with a mission or experience we must endure to hopefully grow from; this is mine.
Best advice ever given?
Everything in life is showing up. There are less qualified people living your dreams because of their determination to show up. I believe showing up is important.
Now let’s talk about the new Shame to Sparkle Foundation? What is the foundation about and how people can support?
Shame to sparkle really started as a small platform and podcast to be able to speak to women I had been working with in victim advocate groups during covid when meeting in person was unavailable to us. It was a fun side project to stay connected & from there it just has really grown into a passion. I decided early this year to launch the foundation. I have worked heavily in the philanthropic space for the last decade or so and wanted to see if I could use these resources for something so close to me & that I see so many others struggle with. From there we decided to really focus on one realm at a time while we are still small so I wanted to dedicate resources & energy to PTSD & CPTSD space to start. I think the conversations surrounding need to really be broadened and education is key.
How was the luncheon launch at Pelican Hill Resort here in Newport Beach?
The launch event was a beautiful afternoon of healing and strength (and sparkle!.) We were indulged in this beautiful venue & had lovely ambience but the speakers & stories shared really embodied overcoming life’s painful traumas into purpose.
After the pandemic of COVID-19 and the quarantine that changed the life for some many people. Have you noticed an uptick or increase in depression and anxiety?
It’s not only something to say I have noticed- we have statistics, studies & scientific evidence showing our mental health as a society took a deep dive since this. I think even as a whole – some people don’t realize- COVID was a mass trauma. A majority experienced some degree as a society, it’s not to say some were not affected differently, some were fine. But the degree of isolation, loss, fear, and all of the opinions & pain to follow affected many and it’s not something anyone should just be expected to smile & move on from if they were impacted in a profound way. I think that’s why normalizing discussions surrounding pain is such a liberating action. It allows us to validate self & our experience without being shackled to it, so to speak. Communication breeds connection.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Well.. Shame to Sparkle. The meaning of this really has a hold on me. Of course with the word “sparkle” one may think of superficial, glitter,etc. But I don’t. I think that it truly embodies the belief that we can go from any scenario and shine the way we were intended to. Shine doesnt have to mean a fancy dress or tangible things – shine in being a parent, being an advocate, a creative, using your voice, not having to use your voice. We were all are born, in my opinion, perfect. We were born bright, and for some- society, or past pain.. maybe our parents, even grandparents, or classmates, or whoever’s shame can sometimes mold itself onto us. It’s not our job to carry the pain from others past.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Feeling safe.
How would your best friend describe you?
Loyal, optimistic and I try my best to be diplomatic. I think when we can step back and see everyone is just viewing the world from their own lens and experiences and respect and validate that, life gets a lot easier.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to be able to meet my children as grandparents one day, see if any generational beliefs were broken. Strange answer perhaps.
Do you support any charity?
I am on the board of COSF – Childrens Oncology Support fund. I am also on the board of JDRF – Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
