Today we’d like to introduce you to Donloyn LeDuff Gadson.
Hi Donloyn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your backstory with us today.
If I had to summarize my story, I’d say it’s an illustration of the power of voice. But the backstory of how I got started and where I am today is layered. And it all began with the need to be heard.
My first memory of attempting to make my voice heard takes me back to Vallejo, California, in 1978. I was five years old. Each morning, my dad would prepare me for the day and drop me off at my babysitter’s home. She was responsible for my before and after-school care. One morning, I cried to my dad. I told him I didn’t want to go to the babysitter’s house. I tried to get the words out the best way my kindergarten self knew how. But I was unable to articulate my feelings. My tears were placeholders, filling the gaps where words needed to be. Despite my child-like attempts, all my dad could hear was a cranky child disrupting the morning routine. And I got in trouble. What my dad did not hear–what I tried desperately to say–was that I was being molested and sexually abused by one of my babysitter’s sons. I was trying to tell him I was afraid and needed to be protected. But before I could be protected, I needed to be heard.
That molestation and rape was the birthplace of a tiny warrior, always defending, fighting, and championing for voice. And not just mine, but for the voices of others, as well. I came to learn over the years that our voices are our identities. And that voice is powerful.
As a young girl, I expressed my voice creatively through writing, drawing, and singing. I dreamt of becoming a writer. I remember leaning on my bedroom wall, gazing out the window, after hiding a poem I had just written. I hid it in a folder under my bed. I was in high school at the time. In that moment, I said to myself, “Someday, something I write will be published.” I carried this dream in secret. I had been told at a young age that I was not talented as an artist, singer, or writer. These words came from a trusted adult who should have encouraged my interests and gifts. Sadly, I believed them. Those limiting beliefs would echo in my ears for years.
After high school, I packed away any thoughts of a future in arts and pursued an education in nursing and health sciences. I began working in healthcare, got married, and had three children. I planned to further my career by attending school to become a Physician Assistant. Those plans changed when we found out I was pregnant with twin boys. I knew attending PA school with three children and two more on the way would be a huge undertaking, so I withdrew my application. It would soon prove to be a wise decision. One of our babies was born with a condition that required multiple surgeries and hospital stays, a medical situation that ultimately led to the realization that it would be better for our family if I stayed home with our children. It was during that time I remembered the day I gazed out my window and made myself a promise. And at age 33, I picked up my pen and began to write again.
I began my professional writing career as a blogger, columnist, and freelance writer, writing for local and national publications. Now my focus is solely on book projects. I have authored 3 books. My debut title, “The Belief in Wings,” released in November 2016, is a three-part personal development book designed to escort the reader from a place of self-doubt to one of personal power. In January 2019, I released my sophomore book entitled “Consecration in the Chrysalis: 8 Days of Prayer and Fasting for Transformation, Breakthrough and New Beginnings,” and in September 2020, my third title, “Catching Fireflies: a 7-Step Poetic Guide to Capturing Glimmers of Hope.” I eventually dispelled the lies regarding my gifts as an artist and picked up my pencil again, as well. I am a skilled pencil artist commissioned for portraits, illustrations, and inspirational pieces.
Today, I am a wife and mother of eight. I am also an author, artist, creator, storyteller, champion of voice, and butterfly lover. My mission is to inspire my audiences to believe in the power of their voices and the strength of their wings. I do this through words and images. Through books and art, I craft stories designed to inspire…stories that breathe life and healing into the deep places of the soul. If I guide my audience to an intimate place of healing and transformation, I can excite and empower them to Believe, Become, and Birth greatness.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Finding my place and rhythm as a writer and artist has been challenging, but I never expected it to be easy. The ebbs and flows are necessary. There are times when the sun is shining on you and other times when it seems the rain won’t end. But we need both the sunshine and the rain to flourish and grow. I’m known for encouraging others in their voices, but sometimes, I feel shaky and unsure of my own. I’ve come to realize those are the times when my voice is being tested and transformed. And transformation hurts. It’s uncomfortable and challenging, but a beautiful, new creation is waiting to be revealed on the other side. Just ask the butterfly! Another challenge I face is being a wife and mom to eight. Creating harmony between home, career, and personal time is grinding. I’m constantly being pulled in different directions. Someone always needs me, and time is not always my friend. But I have to believe this challenge is preparing me for something greater in my future. My dream is to write and direct movies. Perhaps, the current chaos of big family life is actually equipping me with the time, resource, and talent management skills that I’ll need to succeed in the film industry.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am passionate about encouraging women to uncover and operate in the power of their unique voices. I am proud to do this in a way that sets me apart from other authors and artists. I am a Butterfly girl, and my ministry is the Butterfly. I’m known for drawing creative parallels between the transformation of the caterpillar to butterfly and the journey of a woman boldly and confidently becoming all God created her to be so her unique voice can make a difference in this world. I love exploring inventive ways of intertwining my message of “Believe, Become, Birth” into my work. It’s my idea that if a woman can Believe in the power she possesses, then she can Become all she was designed to be, and ultimately, Birth great things into the world. This is how I inspire Voice. Whether in a book, a poem, a blog post, a podcast episode, or artwork, the message is always there. Women are butterflies. And their wings are capable of amazing things.
What makes you happy?
Butterflies! Obviously! Spending time with family and friends. A great cup of coffee. Books, journals, mugs, perfume, and brooches! Losing myself in a creative flow. These are little, everyday things that make me happy. But what truly brings me joy is knowing I’ve made a positive difference in someone else’s life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://donloyn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donloyn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Donloyn
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donloyn-leduff-gadson/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Donloyn
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/donloyn
