I met Lindsey Mathews last Spring in East Austin at Greater Goods on a bright, blue, cheery day. I can find the exact day we met (May 13) because she booked a preliminary meeting to talk about her vision for a book: Coffee Talk.

I think some people are gusts of wind and others gentle breezes. Lindsey met me with the latter presence, freshening my morning, resembling the whimsical greenery surrounding the outskirts of the terrace. She made me feel at ease. It’s no wonder her work is embedded in body work, birthing, coaching and yoga. Through our conversation that quickly turned deep, I learned that Lindsey had just moved from Los Angeles, alone, after divorcing her husband. Through that separation, she discovered her voice and reason to dive into vulnerability and spread real life epiphanies on her Instagram stories (@lindsey_k_mathews to soak up that goodness). As if that wasn’t enough, she decided to embark on a book and wanted me to act as creative director and photographer to bring her words to visual life.

I. Was. There. For. It.

Still am.

Lindsey and I have putzed around to dozens of coffee shops. We’ve sifted through tall, majestic plants behind Barton Springs and splashed in knee deep ocean water in Venice Beach. She’s been one of my biggest supporters, mentors and well…my mom loves her. When I reflected on who first to feature in Woke Beauty’s brand spankin’ new email newsletter, it was easy.

On April 1, Lindsey started a pleasure challenge with one simple rule: pleasure daily. From her booklet…

In simple terms, we will embrace an hour of pleasure daily. In my opinion, pleasure is an experience that speaks to a person’s own soul desires. Soul desires may be anything you need or want or are even motivated or inspired by. Soul desires reveal your values and give you guidance from which to get intentions with your daily lifestyle. Pleasure enhances our connection with our soul desires and feminine energy that is within each of us.

Through daily prompts, virtual guidance and continuous, inspiring content, Lindsey is guiding women through big life transition by teaching them how to make themselves feel good. If that isn’t empowerment, I don’t know what is.

I think, in this world that preaches about self care, we often forget what that really feels like because we’re too busy looking for it. It’s so important to surround ourselves with pioneers who can hold our hand while we lean in and figure it out. Thank you, Lindsey, for taking on that role.

To learn more about Lindsey Mathews and all of the beautiful work she’s doing in the world, check out her company: BirthFit, visit her website or follow her on Instagram. You’re sure to leave feeling good. :)