Page 40 - Beauty Prime Magazine

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Lucia Santa Maria: A visionary coach and former award-winning
costume designer, inspiring women to thrive through life’s transitions.
First, it’s about kindness. Burnout thrives on
the relentless voice in your head telling you to
“do more” or “be better.” Self-compassion gently
interrupts that cycle, reminding you it’s okay to
pause, to rest, and to not have all the answers
right now.
It’s also about curiosity. Instead of judging
yourself for feeling stuck or depleted, self-com-
passion invites you to ask, What do I need? What
has this phase of life been trying to teach me?
These aren’t questions to fix everything in a mo-
ment—they’re invitations to reconnect with your
inner self, one step at a time.
Can you share an example of how your
holistic coaching has transformed the life
of a woman experiencing menopause-rela-
ted mental health challenges?
I had the privilege of working with a highly
successful producer who seemed to have it all: a
thriving company, high-profile projects, and an
impressive career. But behind the scenes, her life
was unraveling. She was constantly exhausted,
her family life and friendships were slipping
away, and her health was on the back burner. The
mental and physical toll of menopause only mag-
nified the burnout she was already experiencing.
Through holistic coaching, we began untang-
ling the threads of her overwhelm. Menopause
symptoms—like fatigue, brain fog, and mood
swings—were playing a significant role in her
struggles. Using my knowledge of this stage of
life, I helped her understand that these challen-
ges weren’t insurmountable; they were signals
that her body and mind needed a new approa-
ch. We turned things around by using a range
of strategies that would address the symptoms
of menopause holistically including lifestyle
adjustments, stress management techniques, and
tools for better hormonal balance. With improved
sleep, energy, and mental clarity, she could finally
focus on what mattered most.
As her symptoms eased and her mental outlook
shifted, something beautiful happened: she
rediscovered her wisdom, her creativity, and her
ability to lead with vision and heart. By doing
less but doing it better, she not only transformed
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her company but also found more time for her
family, friends, and personal well-being.
Today, she approaches her work and life with
clarity and purpose, seeing menopause not as a
hindrance but as a phase that helped her realign
with her true self. This transformation wasn’t
about pushing harder; it was about using her
experience, wisdom, and this stage of life to her
advantage. But regardless of whether you run
your own business, these approaches and this
ethos around limited time and energy is crucial
for all women to understand as they navigate the
menopause.
What advice would you give to employers
to create a supportive work environment
for women going through menopause?
Menopause is a natural part of life, yet in many
workplaces, it’s overlooked or misunderstood.
For employers, creating a supportive environ-
ment isn’t just good ethics—it’s smart business.
Women at this stage bring invaluable wisdom,
experience, and leadership, and with the right
support, they can thrive both personally and
professionally. Here’s how you can help:
1.Normalise the Conversation
Break the stigma by fostering an open, unders-
tanding culture. Provide education on menopause
for managers and employees to ensure it’s seen as
a normal life stage, not a taboo topic.
2.Offer Flexibility
Menopause can come with unpredictable symp-
toms like fatigue, brain fog, or sleep disturbances.
Flexible working hours, remote options, or adjus-
ted workloads can make a significant difference.
3.Create a Comfortable Environment
Make small, practical changes like providing
access to cool, quiet spaces for breaks, offering
ergonomic seating, and ensuring proper venti-
lation. These adjustments help women manage
physical symptoms discreetly and comfortably.
4. Provide Access to Resources
Invest in wellness programs, counselling, or
menopause support groups. These show employe-
es you value their well-being and provide tools to
help them navigate this stage of life.
5. Celebrate Their Strengths
Recognise the unique contributions women
bring during this phase of life—mentorship,
perspective, and resilience. Encourage leadership
opportunities and highlight their value to the team
and organization.
How has your background as an
award-winning costume designer influen-
ced your work as a transformational life
coach and image consultant?
My journey as an award-winning costume
designer taught me something profound: how
we present ourselves to the world isn’t just
about appearances—it’s a reflection of who we
are inside. Each character I dressed had a story,
a set of values, and an emotional journey that
informed how they looked, moved, and expressed
themselves. This deep understanding of identity,
symbolism, and transformation now forms the
foundation of my work both as a life coach and
image consultant.
Costume design gave me the ability to see
beyond the surface. I honed the skill of listening
deeply—of understanding what people want to
communicate and helping them align their outer
appearance with their inner truth. In my coaching,
I apply this same insight to help individuals
reconnect with their authentic selves, rediscover
their confidence, and create a life that reflects
their unique values and aspirations.
As an image consultant, I use my creative eye
to guide clients in presenting themselves in ways
that feel genuine and empowering.
What are the most common misconcepti-
ons about menopause and mental health,
and how can women overcome them?
One of the deepest fears many women face
during menopause is the feeling that we are
losing our beauty. This fear doesn’t just come
from within us, its society’s dictate, a narrative
that glorifies youth and marginalises the values
of ageing. So as a consequence as menopausal
women we focus on what is “wrong with us”
thereby giving great weight to the negatives and
allowing a sense of it all being out of our control.
Menopause is not the end; it’s a transforma-
tion. On the other side of this journey, we find
freedom—freedom from being ruled by our hor-
mones, freedom from constantly worrying about
how others perceive us, and the incredible gift of
caring deeply about what truly matters: the world
we’re creating and the legacy we’re leaving for
those younger than us.
Think about it, our reproductive cycle,
regardless of how we’ve lived it, is a biological
masterpiece. Over decades it orchestrates intricate
hormonal symphonies that sustain our vitality,
creativity and connection to the rhythms of life.