What if a photograph could help you see yourself in a way you've never seen yourself before?

In this powerful episode of Walking in ALOHA; Let's Talk Story, host Michelle A. G. Ebalaroza Kawano (MAGEK) welcomes Esther Patterson, Hawaiʻi-based portrait photographer, storyteller, and founder of Captured Imagery.

Born into an Amish family as the ninth of eleven children, Esther grew up in a world without electricity or cars, surrounded by traditions and expectations that shaped her early life. But as a teenager, she began asking questions, trusting her inner voice, and discovering a passion that would ultimately become her life's work.

Today, Esther uses photography to help women feel seen, celebrated, and documented—not simply for how they look, but for who they truly are.

Together, Michelle and Esther explore:

• Finding your voice and trusting your inner guidance.

• Moving beyond limiting beliefs and expectations.

• The power of affirmations backed by intentional action.

• Leading with love in life, motherhood, and business.

• Esther's Empowered Mama Portrait Experience and its celebration of 44 mothers.

• How photography can become a meaningful experience of self-discovery and healing.

• Creating portraits and stories that connect generations.

  
  

Michelle also shares her personal experience being photographed by Esther, including the emotional significance of wearing her late mother's jewelry during her portrait session.

This conversation reminds us that you don't have to become someone else to be worthy of being celebrated.

You are already worthy of being seen.

🎙️ Walking in ALOHA; Let's Talk Story

Hosted by Michelle A. G. Ebalaroza Kawano (MAGEK)

🌺 Your Voice Is Your Superpower! Never Forget Your Voice!

Subscribe, follow, and share this episode with someone who needs to remember their worth.

#WalkingInALOHA #EstherPatterson #CapturedImagery #WomenEmpowerment #Storytelling #Motherhood #Legacy

What happens when your heart is broken, your prayers seem unanswered, and you're struggling to understand God's plan?

In this deeply moving episode of Walking in ALOHA; Let's Talk Story, host Michelle A. G. Ebalaroza Kawano welcomes Chaplain Juanita Burgess, author, speaker, coach, and founder of Lead & Thrive Co., for an honest conversation about grief, faith, healing, and finding the courage to keep going.

Juanita shares her journey into chaplaincy, the heartbreak of experiencing two miscarriages, and the difficult questions she brought to God during one of the most painful seasons of her life. Those experiences inspired her devotional, Bowing with a Broken Heart.

Michelle also shares part of her personal journey through domestic violence and the importance of recognizing the pain that can hide behind the words, "I'm fine."

Together, they explore why grief cannot be rushed, how compassionate presence can bring comfort when words fail, the importance of community, and what it means to recognize God's rhythm—including the moments when we're called to rest.

One powerful reminder from Juanita:

"He's not measuring how much you love him by how much you silently endure."

Whether you're navigating loss, supporting someone through heartache, or learning to trust God through uncertainty, this conversation reminds us that healing is a journey, faith makes room for honest emotions, and we don't have to walk through grief alone.

🌺 Connect with Chaplain Juanita Burgess

Chaplaincy and speaking: https://juanitaburgess.com

Coaching: https://leadandthriveco.com

Books: The Knowing Place Devotional and Bowing with a Broken Heart Devotional https://youneedmybook.com/

🎙️ Walking in ALOHA; Let's Talk Story

Real Stories. Real People. Real Transformation.

Hosted by Michelle A. G. Ebalaroza Kawano

Your Voice Is Your Superpower! Never Forget Your Voice!

ALOHA Always! 💜🌺

MENDED: When God Turns the Broken Pieces Into Purpose with Jessica Cruz

What if the broken pieces of your life are becoming part of God's masterpiece? 💜

On this powerful episode of Walking in ALOHA; Let’s Talk Story, host Michelle A. G. Ebalaroza Kawano welcomes Jessica Cruz, Christian author, speaker, mentor, podcast host, and founder of Mended J Missions.

Jessica courageously shares her journey through childhood abuse, betrayal, unhealthy relationships, heartbreak, and the search for healing. But her story doesn't end in brokenness. Through faith, surrender, and discovering her identity in Christ, she began rebuilding her life with God at the center.

🌺 In this heartfelt conversation, we explore:

💜 Breaking cycles of unhealthy relationships and rediscovering your worth.

🙏 Going on a date with God! Jessica shares how a 40-day fast, a special dinner at Olive Garden, and a 90-day Proverbs 31 journey transformed her relationship with God. Michelle shares her own unforgettable God Date in Hawaiʻi, revealing a beautiful, unexpected connection between their stories.

💜 Learning to establish healthy boundaries, communicate honestly, and love without losing yourself.

🌺 Finding healing through faith, grace, and a supportive church community.

✨ Understanding that healing has no deadline and your past does not define your God-given purpose.

🦋 Discovering how God can transform the broken pieces of our lives into something beautiful—just like stained glass illuminated by His light.

One of Jessica's most powerful reminders:

"Do not put a time frame on your healing. Healing is always a process."

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this conversation also reminds us why sharing our stories, recognizing harmful patterns, and creating spaces for healing matter.

CONNECT WITH JESSICA CRUZ

🌺 Mended J Missions:
https://linktr.ee/MendedJMissions

📖 Mended Broken Pieces: A Journey From Brokenness to Purpose
https://a.co/d/0eaFyu0I

🎙️ When We Speak: Broken to Mended
https://open.spotify.com/show/1IilT0zKu0LKYiZ01NJNtw

CONNECT WITH WALKING IN ALOHA; LET'S TALK STORY

▶️ YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@WalkingInALOHA_MAGEKBlessings

𝕏 X:
https://x.com/michelle_magek

🎙️ Riverside:
https://riverside.com/studio/michelle-a-g-ebalaroza-kawanos-studio

Your Voice Is Your Superpower! Never Forget Your Voice!

🌺 Real Stories. Real People. Real Transformation. ~ ALOHA Always

#WalkingInALOHA #LetsTalkStory #JessicaCruz #MendedBrokenPieces #GodDates #FaithAndHealing #DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth #ChristianPodcast #GodGivenPurpose #ALOHAAlways