Gloria “Grace” Rand is a Holistic Business Guide, Bestselling Author, and Host of the Live. Love. Engage. Podcast, which has listeners in 152 countries. Known as the Light Messenger, she combines 15+ years of online marketing experience with energy healing to empower female entrepreneurs in attracting clients with confidence and clarity. Gloria is the founder of the Soulful Women’s Network and the Align to Shine Academy, a 30-day program where purpose-driven entrepreneurs build unshakeable confidence, recognize their true worth, and create thriving businesses aligned with their soul’s purpose.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your entrepreneurial journey.
I was the youngest of three children and grew up as an “only child” because my brother and sister were 14 and 10 years older than me, respectively. They had moved out of the house when I was still a child. My dad was an alcoholic, so life was often stressful because I never knew what condition he’d be in. My mom worked hard to keep things together and ensured I had advantages, like dance and music lessons, and was involved in Girl Scouts.
I became a people pleaser to maintain peace in our house. I excelled in school and went to college, initially majoring in business administration before switching to mass communications. After college, I moved from Michigan to Florida and eventually joined the staff of Night Business Report at the local public television station in Miami, where I worked for over 10 years. During that time, I got married and had two children, a daughter and a son.
What was the idea or motivation that made you start your business/initiative? What motivated you to say, “Yes, go for it!”?
In 2005, my husband had a job opportunity that required us to move to Orlando, FL, which meant I could no longer work for NBR. I didn’t want to pursue a career in local television, as it often required working weekends and holidays. I tried writing for children, but that wasn’t working out for me.
One day, while sorting through my desk, I came across a letter from American Writers & Artists Inc. advertising a copywriting course. That piqued my interest, so I signed up and immersed myself in it. One course on SEO copywriting particularly appealed to me because it allowed me to use both the logical and creative sides of my brain.
Tell us about your current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
Today, I still offer SEO copywriting services because I enjoy writing. However, after losing my sister to cancer, I embarked on a spiritual journey that led to writing my book, Live. Love. Engage. – How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Start Being Yourself. Writing this book taught me how to love myself and take risks I hadn’t dared before.
Now, I focus on helping women entrepreneurs experiencing self-doubt and poor self-worth to recognize their value and become confident. That’s why I also offer coaching and energy healing services.
What achievements or accomplishments would you like to mention?
I am the host of the Live. Love. Engage. Podcast, now in its 6th season, with listeners in over 150 countries and a ranking in the top 2% of podcasts globally. Additionally, I am the founder of the Soulful Women’s Network, a certified high-performance speaker, and a certified Reiki practitioner.
What change would you like to see in the world if given the opportunity?
I would like to help create a world where people release their limiting beliefs about being unworthy. Loving oneself fully is the key to recognizing that we are all one human family. Our thoughts and vibrations impact the world, and cultivating inner peace is the first step toward achieving global peace.
What are your thoughts about women in leadership today?
I am encouraged to see so many women in leadership positions. But we need more! We also need women (and men) to hone their intuition, which will guide them in making decisions aligned with their soul’s highest good.
What would you like to say to young leaders or your audience?
The future is in your hands. Choose wisely what you want to do with it. Know that you are not alone—you have a higher self to guide you. Be still and listen. Love yourself and others as yourself. Don’t hesitate to ask for help! Find a mentor to support your journey forward.
