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

Hi Serena, what’s your definition for success?
I define success as happiness, freedom, working towards what you are passionate about and called to do in life and never giving up on that dream. Many people wait to claim success until they reach their goal but the work and process that is put in beforehand is the real greatness. It didn’t take Micheal Phelp’s to win an olympic medal to be labeled as successful; it was those six hours of practice that he put in everyday.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Everything that I do and put my energy towards revolves around youth, the community, and bettering others. I am an author of three children’s book, founder of a non-profit organization; Continuous Acts to Restore Encouragement, and an owner of a daycare. I am most excited about making a difference in this world and in other’s lives. I have several other books that I am currently working on- for children and adults. This upcoming Summer, my nonprofit organization is traveling to Accra, Ghana and taking 10 volunteers with us to dedicate our time to a children’s orphanage home for a week. In addition, I have organized a children’s author tour for myself and 30 other self-published authors. Creating opportunities for others and continuing to spread positive, encouraging messages through my writing keeps me going. I create opportunities for people that do not allow them to remain the same; experiences that lead to encouragement and growth.

I got to where I am today by never giving up on myself. Anything that I want to accomplish in this world, I chase it. I am okay with failing and hearing the word “no” but I never let it stop me from continuing to move forward. If you want other’s to believe in you, you must believe in yourself. I never had a role model or mentor growing up. I was the first in my family to graduate from college and I do not take that lightly. My father was and still is incarcerated, my mother gave birth to me at 17 years old- I had so many hardships and odds against me and I used those to motivate me to be the woman I desired to be. I want others to know that it is not easy and it is not supposed to be, but it is never impossible. Keep going, there’s people in this world who need you. As a little girl who never fit in and didn’t have a role model, I now am that role model and mentor to children all around the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am from the East Coast; I was born in Philadelphia and moved to LA in October 2021. I am still learning and touring the city myself but don’t get it twisted, your girl knows how to have a good time. A beach is a must; my favorite is Manhattan Beach. Sitting by the ocean, or laying out in the sand getting a tan and reading a good book. Catching the sunset is a must too; we love great views and LA has some of the most beautiful sunsets. My best friend visited me a few months ago and we caught the sunset in Malibu as we were heading to Nobu; one of my favorite restaurants with excellent customer service, amazing food, and a great vibe. We can end the night at a rooftop bar- I’d probably choose Mama’s Shelter. You can catch the beautiful views of Hollywood from up there and the atmosphere is very welcoming; but they won my heart when they provided us with a blanket on a chilly night under the heater.

Let’s get into some activities to do during the day. Of course we have to hit Rodeo Drive. Simply taking a walk down Rodeo will give you the motivation that you need. I also have to take my bestie on a hike, first choice being the Culver City Stairs (they are no joke but well worth it- don’t forget to stop and get an açaí bowl from the food truck JUICED-UP that stations there.)

LA in general is an exciting, beautiful place with so much to do. A week is mandatory to fit everything in because a weekend will not cut it. Even the air here is different; we would find joy in simply walking down the street with some Tierra Mia Coffee (yummmmmm) on a nice, sunny day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
God. Hands down. He is my go-to; I could lose everything today, and still find a way to have a smile on my face tomorrow because I know that must be apart of the plan. That is what keeps me going; my faith. God never took his hands off me or my life; I used to be a completely different person and my life could have went many different ways..but God! Whenever I am reminded of the great work that I am doing for the children and community, I have to honor God and give Him the glory because all of this wouldn’t be possible without Him. I’m out here doing God’s work.

Website: https://continuousacts.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/carefoundationphl?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-haeuser-5a90a2143/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serena.haeuser.9/

Other: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Serena-Haeuser/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ASerena+Haeuser

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