Iyanla Vanzant

Iyanla Vanzant 2019

Iyanla Vanzant is an American inspirational speaker, lawyer, spiritual teacher, author, and television personality. She is best known for her work as a life coach on her own television show, Iyanla: Fix My Life, which airs on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Vanzant's work in spiritual healing and life coaching has garnered a significant following and has made her a notable figure in the fields of self-help and spiritual growth.

Early Life

Iyanla Vanzant was born Rhonda Eva Harris on September 13, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York. She faced a challenging childhood, marked by poverty, abuse, and the loss of her mother at a young age. These early experiences shaped her future work in spiritual healing and personal empowerment.

Career

Vanzant's career began in the legal field after she graduated from law school. However, she soon realized that her true calling was in spiritual teaching and writing. She changed her name to Iyanla, which means "great mother," and embarked on a journey to help others heal and grow.

Her first book, Tapping the Power Within: A Path to Self-Empowerment for Women, published in 1992, established her as a voice for self-help and empowerment, particularly for African American women. Vanzant has since authored several books, including Acts of Faith: Daily Meditations for People of Color, In the Meantime: Finding Yourself and the Love You Want, and Yesterday, I Cried: Celebrating the Lessons of Living and Loving.

In addition to her writing, Vanzant has made numerous television appearances, including on The Oprah Winfrey Show, where her relationship with Oprah Winfrey helped to elevate her profile. In 2012, she launched Iyanla: Fix My Life on the OWN network, where she uses her life coaching skills to help individuals and families overcome personal obstacles and challenges.

Philosophy and Impact

Vanzant's work focuses on personal responsibility, the power of healing, and the importance of spiritual growth. She emphasizes the need for individuals to look within themselves for answers and healing, rather than seeking external solutions. Her approach combines practical advice with spiritual principles, making her teachings accessible to a broad audience.

Her impact on the field of self-help and spirituality has been significant, with her books selling millions of copies worldwide and her television show reaching a wide audience. Vanzant has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for her contributions to spiritual teaching and empowerment.

Personal Life

Vanzant has been open about her personal struggles, including her experiences with domestic abuse, divorce, and the loss of her daughter to a rare form of cancer. These experiences have informed her work and her approach to healing and empowerment.

Bibliography

• Tapping the Power Within: A Path to Self-Empowerment for Women (1992)
• Acts of Faith: Daily Meditations for People of Color (1993)
• In the Meantime: Finding Yourself and the Love You Want (1998)
• Yesterday, I Cried: Celebrating the Lessons of Living and Loving (1999)