We’re looking forward to introducing you to Bethanee Epifani. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Bethanee, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Writing poetry. I recently had one of those moments when you have an idea and you can’t sleep until you do something with it. It had been a while since I had felt like that, and I was excited to capture my thoughts with pen and paper at 2am in the morning. Poetry has always been that release for me — a space where my creativity can breathe and stretch. I always lose track of time when it comes to poetry.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, Readers! My name is Bethanee Epifani (ee-pif-ah-ni), and I am an author, speaker, poet, and teacher serving the Los Angeles community. My desire to share and uplift comes from my own past emotional and mental struggles. Now, having overcome those obstacles, I am passionate about sharing what I have learned with others in an effort to empower and equip them to overcome and/or completely by-pass potential stumbling blocks. I provide a unique perspective that is authentic, unapologetic, and compassionate.
Through my speaking engagements, I share vital life principles of self-love, self-determination, and self-actualization. My 1st book, “My Quarter-of-a-Century Life Lessons”, speaks on these same life principles while chronicling my journey after graduating from Loyola Marymount University and stepping into adult-hood. My 2nd book, “Don’t Fall Prey!” , is a lively dating book that also emphasizes and prioritizes self-love and shares entertaining, honest dating stories from women seeking to share their dating experiences and lessons to help guide others. Her latest book, “Love Prayer Poems” is a small collection of poetic prayers that focuses on the type of love that I am speaking into my life. I hopes my poetry helps others to think about the type of love they want to experience as well.
In addition to speaking and writing, I have a podcast called “I Am Epifani”, which gives me the space to share my thoughts and opinions on a variety of topics. Every episode of “I am Epifani” ends with an epiphany from me and the special guests she invites on the show. Check me out! lol
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I played the role of the witch in my 6th grade play. Being on stage was electrifying. I recognized the power of my voice and that I could use my voice to impact other people. That was the moment I fell in love with being an orator and I explored different paths that allowed me to use my voice in different ways.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I’ve always used my pain as a source of power. I’ve done this through writing and speaking about the challenges that I’ve gone through. In my first book, “My Quarter-of-a-Century Life Lessons”, I was very candid about the personal obstacles I faced after graduating college and having no sense of direction. I’ve talked about the dangers of comparing myself and the negative thoughts that would consume me. Being honest about my pain helped to release others who were experiencing the same things. My pain became a testimonial and served as a light that others could look towards and feel less alone and more hopeful.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
My 2nd book “Don’t Fall Prey!” is a dating book that focuses on dating lessons that myself and other women are sharing with readers — the book is for both men and women. I used the book to host dating events where men and women come together to share their dating lessons and learn from each other in a safe space.
The state of dating today makes creating this safe space even more of a priority, especially for Black singles. The conversations around dating have become inflammatory and outrageous and it creates a growing divide. I am committed to creating a space of growth and learning for Black singles. My desire is to bring us together in love and understanding in a world that tries to keep us apart.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
When you no longer feel connected with what you are doing. I think you’re out of your depth when you’ve forgotten your intentions. The question becomes: Why are you doing what you are doing? What is your motivation? If you cannot clearly answer those questions, or if the answers to those questions are superficial or shallow, you may want to rethink the direction you are headed. I think someone can also be out of their depth when what they are doing requires them to be someone other than who they are. Authenticity is key, and if you are playing a role, eventually it will become exhausting, unhealthy, and force the real you to the surface.
I remember I worked with a marketing company who wanted to market me as this “dating expert” who had answers to all of your dating questions and troubles. That type of image was out of my depth because it was not an honest representation of who I was. I was/am an everyday human going through the ups and downs of dating just like everyone else. I have loved and I have learned, and what I learned I decided to share. I was not a dating expert on anyone else’s life except my own. However, I was an expert on creating safe spaces and bringing people together to have healing conversations. I wanted to encourage others to share the dating lessons and insights that they learned in these spaces. I didn’t want to position myself as this “know-it-all” when I knew that other people had just as much wisdom and advice to share. I did’t need to be centered in order to make an impact – my voice didn’t have to be the only voice in the room. I believe we learn best as a collective.
It’s just an example of how easily you can be taken out of your depth and how you have to have the courage to say who you are and what you want.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bethaneeepifani.com
- Instagram: bepifani
- Linkedin: bethanee bryant
- Facebook: Bethanee epifani
- Youtube: Bethanee Epifani/B’Epifani
- Other: Podcast: I Am Epifani
Available on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Google podcast, iHeart, and many more
Image Credits
Justin C: jcfilms
