Meet Von | Host/Creator of the Lyfestyle Change Show

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

Hi Von, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Like most people during the pandemic it was a time to think about things that you have would have normally thought about. As a professional in the field of mental health for over 20 years. I felt like I needed more and to do more with my life. I love meeting new people; speaking in front of others, training, etc. One day I was speaking to my best friend of 33 years and I told her that I needed more and that I wanted to do a show. Not just any show but a show that highlighted restaurants, businesses and grassroot organizations. There are so many individuals contributing to their communities every day. These are the people I want others to know about. It is also a way for me to do something totally different from mental health. I knew that it would be challenging as I knew nothing about starting a show and I did not want to do a traditional podcast. The Lyfestyle Change Show came out of the idea that “life changes in an instant”, and you have to be ready. I want to be ready to capture the moments of others, and to highlight the greatness that they put out into the universe for others to enjoy

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am currently working on my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in counseling psychology at Northcentral University. My doctoral track has been one that has challenged me as a student and awarding. The COVID pandemic had a direct toll on my family and me as I was laid off from my job during my schooling. Even though God provided during this time, the long haul of financial responsibility plagued our family. That is when I came up with the Lyfestyle Change Show., to create a outlet and to deal with the pandemic.

I have been working in the mental health field since 2002, starting as a case manager with those with serious mental illness. I went on to work with those with HIV/AIDS, to my current position as a Clinical Supervisor and Licensed Resident in Counseling. I also created a for minority women to have a safe space to communicate their emotional needs called Melanin Chat and Chew but it was shut down due to the pandemic. As I continue to see the needs of our community, I chose to become a Certified Life Coach to bring another aspect of creating a space for those who need balance and develop goals. The Lyfestyle Change show is a extension of the work that I love to do. I am able to make connections with people that I would have normally never met.
I want to take my show further to reach people all over and share their story. Sometimes you have to create a space for those to share just a little bit of who they are. This causes a connection between others.

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?
So I live in the 757/ Hampton Roads Area that comprise of Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, and Virginia Beach. This area is great with so many things to do. It is along the Atlantic Ocean. The first stop would be the Fort Monroe in Hampton Virginia to soak up some sun and relaxation. Secondly, we would visit the many museums that are here and probably check out some Winery’s such as Williamsburg Winery.
There are so many festivals that are along the water in Norfolk like the Town Point Wine Festival
Great restaurants like Got Fish? Seafood, or Byrd’s Restaurant for good Brunch food.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to that my Creator God I want to that my Parents for always instilling in me the right attitude and encouraged me t0 pursue my dreams no matter how big or small they were
To my husband Dela Bedzra, my love who has been a person that push me to be great all the time. He has always been my protector.
To my best friend Sherlon Thompson for helping me with the name of my show. Thank you for your encouraging words.
And finally to my Producer Jackson from Dolphin Jump Productions who has been there since day one.

Instagram: @vonlyfestylechange

Facebook: @thelyfestylechange

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6wmDkE3ZQbO1LXU0J9JUng

Other: lyfestylechangeshow@gmail.com

Image Credits
Dolphin Jump Productions Stephanie Smith Photography Got Fish? Restaurant dBArcade