In this honest and inspiring interview, Lena Edwards shares what success looks like now—from chasing titles to choosing peace. She reflects on growing up without a strong support system, building a life she loves, and the quiet power of confidence, community, and clarity. Her story is a beautiful reminder that your past doesn’t define your future—and that fulfillment is found not in doing it all, but in doing what matters.
From Titles to Tranquility: Redefining What Success Really Means
How do you define success today?
At 35, my definition of success was being the VP of a company. But at my current age, success means living a life of purpose and peace. It’s not so much about financial gain. Of course, we all want to be financially stable but more importantly, I value peace and clarity.
When you’re disconnected from your purpose, it can leave you feeling confused, unhappy, anxious—even depressed. So today, success for me is about being grounded in purpose and finding peace. That’s how I see it now.
Freedom, Fulfillment, and Finding Joy in the Everyday
What does a life you love look like?
Right now, I’m probably the happiest I’ve ever been. I came from humble beginnings. My upbringing was different from many of my peers. So to look back at where I came from and see where I am now, I feel content, confident, and proud.
Like all women, I still have things I work on. But for me, happiness is waking up every day doing what I love, on my own terms. Yes, I answer to clients and customers but I get to set the tone and the vision for what I do. I focus on what matters and what helps people.
Not having to clock in and out every day—that’s peace for me. I’m not knocking the 9-to-5 life at all (in fact, I remind my kids to get to work early!), but I’ve created a little more freedom for myself. And I especially love what I do with seniors. That brings me so much joy and fulfillment.
Quiet Support and Collective Strength
How did community support you on your journey?
Community has supported me in ways that feel deeply personal—especially as a mother, a leader, and someone building with purpose.
It’s not always loud or obvious. Sometimes it’s a quick check-in during a busy week or just knowing I’m not the only one navigating this season. Whether through local projects or quiet acts of support, those connections have helped me stay grounded in my values and vision.
Being surrounded by people who care about the bigger picture makes the journey feel less overwhelming—and a lot more meaning.
Prayer, Purpose, and the Power of Boundaries
What habits help you stay successful?
For me, success is rooted in rhythm more than hustle. Habits like starting the day with prayer, protecting my time, and creating space to reset help me stay grounded—especially as a mom.
Balance isn’t always perfect, but staying present with my family while still showing up for my work is something I work at daily. I check in with my “why” often. Whether I’m leading at home, in business, or in the community, staying aligned with purpose helps me move with clarity, not chaos.
And honestly? Rest, delegation, and boundaries are habits too—and I’ve learned to treat them like non-negotiables.
How Confidence and Community Can Change the Game
What holds women back from taking opportunities? And how do we get them to say yes more often?
I’ve spent years working in beauty, surrounded by strong, powerful women. But I’ve seen firsthand how confidence shapes what we believe is possible. You might look at a woman and think, “She’s incredible—she should be VP of this company.” But inside, she might be questioning if she’s even qualified.
That inner voice can be the biggest barrier. Many of us were taught to think small—to stay quiet, not take up space. And when you’re constantly around people who doubt themselves or play it safe, it can start to affect how you see yourself too.
If we want more women to say yes, we have to create spaces where confidence is built, not broken. That starts with representation, mentorship, and community—and reminding each other what we’re capable of before we even have to ask.
Dismantling the Narrative That Women Should Shrink
If you could rewrite a rule that’s been imposed on women, what would you change?
If I could rewrite a rule that’s been imposed on women, I’d honestly change them all—even the ones we’ve been “allowed” to break. Because in many ways, it still feels like we’re being pushed backward. I think about my daughter and how hard we’re fighting to protect the future she deserves.
But one rule I’d especially rewrite is the mindset that women should shrink—that being soft means we’re weak, or that we’re not capable of leading, building, or making bold moves. That belief has held so many of us back.
I was raised in a space where being outspoken didn’t always feel welcome, and for a long time, I thought something was wrong with me. But eventually, I realized: it wasn’t me—it was the mindset I had been taught to accept.
We were conditioned not to dream too big, not to lead, not to want “too much.” That’s what I’d change—the idea that womanhood comes with limits. Because it doesn’t. We’re allowed to be soft and strong, nurturing and visionary. We don’t need to shrink. We were made to rise.
You Can Rise Above It: A Legacy of Strength and Softness
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
The legacy I want to leave behind is simple: you can rise above it.
Your past doesn’t define your future, and where you come from doesn’t determine how far you’ll go. I’ve walked through seasons of deep loss and challenge, but I kept showing up—for myself, my family, and the vision I’m building.
As a mom, a wife, and a business owner, I’ve learned that strength doesn’t always look like doing it all—it looks like being anchored in purpose, staying resilient through hard things, and creating space for both grace and growth.
I don’t know exactly how my story will be remembered, but I hope it reflects that with faith, vision, and determination, anything is possible. That you can build the life you dream of—and still be soft, still be present, still be whole.
Lena Edwards is the founder of Prioritize YOU Caregivers and Gimmie 5 Minutes, two brands rooted in self-care, service, and faith. As a mom of five and caregiver advocate, she creates space for women to rest, heal, and feel supported.
