Meet Miriam Arvinger | Author, Educator, Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Miriam Arvinger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Miriam, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I decided to write my book and start my coaching business because I wanted to share with mothers what I have heard from teenage girls over the past 32 years. “My mother doesn’t understand me.” “I can’t talk to my mother about these things.” “She doesn’t listen.” Although going through puberty and adolescence is tough for teenage girls, it is tough for moms too. They don’t always have the knowledge, language or communication skills to effectively bridge the gap during one of the most confusing times of a young girl’s life. That is where I stepped in. For most of my adult life, I have laughed, cried, supported, mentored, and listened to young girls tell their stories, express their emotions, fight their fears, and seek understanding about being a girl. I wanted to share with girl moms, what their daughters wanted and need from them most. That is why I wrote the book. Healing the relationship between mothers and daughters is pivotal in girls becoming secure, confident and productive women. It has the ability to change generations. I believe that when women are whole, families are whole. The goal is to give girls and their moms all the love, support, information, motivation, and power they need to become amazing women and even more amazing moms. My business empowers them to do just that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been an educator for the past 32 years. It is a gift and a calling and something I thoroughly enjoy. Throughout my years in the field, I know I have made a difference in the lives of young people because they tell me so. And isn’t that what we all want – to make a difference in this world? What sets me apart in my field is my willingness to meet kids where they are and empathize with their journey. I genuinely care about every aspect of their lives and have done everything from buying clothes, helping with food and bills, being a shoulder to lean on, and praying with my students and their families. This is the part of teaching that no one sees, and I’m ok with that. I am most proud of the relationships that I have built with students and families. Many of the mothers have become my friends. Students still reach out to me after years of teaching them in 7th grade, just to see how I am doing. That means the world to me. Getting here definitely was not easy, but surely worth it. I was the first college graduate in my entire family – aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. and I pretty much put myself through college and grad school. But I wouldn’t trade in the lessons I’ve learned. One of which is, I can do hard things. I successfully raised 2 God-fearing children on my own. That is probably my proudest achievement. Another lesson I take with me every day is that God is for me. No matter how it looks on any given day, I know God has my back and He is my #1 supporter. I owe my success to Him. What do I want others to know? You have one life on this side of heaven and not much time. Make it count. Use your gifts. Take the risks. To thine own self be true. Die empty.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the area and I wanted to show them the best time, I’d take them to a few of the places in the city that I have come to enjoy. First, the eats – Drip Coffee Shop for good coffee and a little work session if needed. The Drawbar and Rooftop LOA for food, good drinks, vibes, and great views of the city. I don’t like crowded brunch spots, but if I had to choose one, we’d be at Breakfast at Barneys. Bomb Biscuit is also a favorite for a quick, delicious breakfast. One of the nights, we’d have to go to Rock Steady for their bomb Carribean food, drinks, and dancing.

The High Museum for High-Frequency Fridays is a must as well. Such a vibe. During the week, we’d have to visit the Beltline and check out Krog Street Market. Piedmont Park is also a favorite of mine for a good walk. Ponce City and The Winery would also be on the list of places to visit. It’s summertime, so any park festivals and outdoor concerts would be on the list as well.

We’d definitely visit one of the farmer’s markets as I enjoy cooking and would have a few home-cooked meals as opposed to always eating out.

I’m sure I’m only touching the surface here, but these are some of the places I enjoy.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I’d like to shout out my family – my mother, 2 children (Tiara and Corey) and my niece and nephew. They continually make me believe that there is nothing that I cannot do. Seeing their strength and determination to accomplish their goals, gives me the same strength and determination. It is because of their continued support and motivation that I was able to make the leap into entrepreneurship.

I’d also like to shout out my book coaches Jasmine Womack and Tonya Carter and the team at The Empact Group. They lit the fire under me and provided me with a step-by-step plan to finish and self-publish my book successfully. Their support, mentorship and encouragement allowed me to do in 6 months, what I have been trying to do in over 30 years.

Website: www.miriamarvinger.com

Instagram: @miriamarvinger

Linkedin: Miriam Arvinger

Facebook: Miriam Arvinger

Image Credits
Still Shots Photography