We had the good fortune of connecting with Noelani Apana-Cherry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Noelani, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The single most important decision I have made to contribute to my success is reframing my mindset and belief system. I have spent most of my life either shaming myself and or believing I wasn’t worth the life and or success I desired. I was halted by the realization that what I was telling myself daily hindered my growth. It was imperative that I turned inward to dig deep, practice positive affirmations (which was SO new to me), priortize interpersonal transformation, and a lot of grace and patience.

While understanding, adapting, and shifting my mindset, I was able to learn so much about myself with curiosity instead of judgment. In doing so, I see things more openly to reflect, learn and grow from challenges without deeming the experience and or myself as a failure. Instead, I am more willing to embrace life’s challenges, take feedback as a learning opportunity and continue to prosper and grow throughout life. This has fulfilled every area of my life mentally, physically with my health, emotionally, and so on.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is called, “O.W.N Bariatrics”, meaning the One Who Navigates Bariatrics. O.W.N Bariatrics provides support and tools for self-discovery that will allow Pre- and Post-Op Weight Loss Surgery Patients to own their lives and Bariatric Journey. I wanted to create a safe space for the community to navigate through each milestone of Transformation authentically.

In 2020, I had the Gastric Sleeve. Having had weight loss surgery, I am able to understand and connect with my clients firsthand throughout each stage. There was a time, I had a vision of who I desired to be, but I had no idea how to execute it. I had to address self-sabotage, habit change, and limited believes that were no longer serving me. Once I embraced my journey as my own and stopped chasing perfection, I felt peace and freedom. It was magical.

These are the pillars of my “O.W.N A Bari Fulfilled Life” Program. Witnessing my client’s growth and loving themselves through it, is the highlight of doing what I love. I am humbled to have the privilege of helping others tap into their personal power to protect their peace and inner freedom.

I want others to know that this journey is both scary and exciting You are not alone. I hear you; I see you; I feel you! It takes a village. Together we O.W.N our journeys and become our true authentic selves unapologetically.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Picnic – Rose Garden

Girls Day – Wine Girl

Date Night – Joe’s Crab Shack

Family Outing – Main Event

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I had my surgery, there was a time I felt like I was going through the journey alone. I did all the things required of me but still felt like I was missing something. It turns out I was missing an incredible community. My people! I want to dedicate my shout out to the Bariatric Community.

The passion, commitment, and support behind the WLS movement, is unlike anything I have ever seen. There are many different walks of life and journeys from all over the world that stand united. It’s so comforting to know there are others going through the same journey right alongside you. I have had the pleasure to bond with incredible people, surgeons, and witness inspiring transformations that keep me going. I know that without this community, I would not be where I am today in my journey with confidence.

It truly takes a village, and I have found one made for me. Thank you to each amazing person, organization, podcast, etc. that I have leaned on for support. I can say with confidence, I would not be where I am today in my journey without you.

Website: www.onewhonavigates.com

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/ownbariatrics/

Image Credits
Laney Bliss

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