EP 23 - From Pain to Purpose | Kimberly Stratton | Internationally-selling author, TED Speaker and the CEO of The Crown and Cross Consulting

🎙️ SHOW NOTES – Episode 23 of Let's Talk Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas
Title: From Pain to PurposeGuest: Kimberly Stratton – Internationally-Selling Author, TEDx Speaker, and CEO of The Crown and Cross Consulting & Publishing CompanyHost: Nicole Thomas
Air Date: 06/19/2025
Platform: Let's Talk Passion and Purpose Podcast

🎧 Episode Overview:
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Nicole Thomas sits down with Kimberly Stratton, an internationally-selling author, TEDx speaker, and visionary CEO of The Crown and Cross Consulting & Publishing Company. Together, they explore Kimberly's inspiring journey from childhood trauma to global literary impact and how writing became her way of healing, escaping, and ultimately empowering others.

Kimberly shares how her experiences as a child led her to write on paper towels and napkins—and how those early writings would eventually blossom into a thriving publishing company rooted in faith and authenticity. This episode is filled with emotional wisdom, lessons on forgiveness, the power of mentorship, and the importance of community when answering a divine calling.

📝 Key Topics Covered:

• The Power of Writing as Escape & Expression: Kimberly began writing as a child to escape abuse and neglect, creating stories that transformed pain into hope.
• Faith as a Foundation: She credits God for her gift and direction, describing writing as a calling rather than a career.
• A Voice for the Silent Ones: Her breakthrough book showcases the voices of the homeless, crafted from genuine conversations and field experiences—an emotional, raw, and honest narrative that has touched lives worldwide.
• The Role of Mentorship and Community: With the help of key supporters like Terrie Coleman Martinez and her strong family network, Kimberly was able to navigate the publishing world with integrity.
• Creating a Purpose-Driven Business: Kimberly founded The Crown and Cross Consulting and Publishing Company, which is firmly rooted in the Trinity and the principles of faith.
• Affirmations for the Soul: Her latest devotional, Affirmations: Declare & Decree Over Your Life, encourages readers to speak faith-based declarations rooted in scripture.
• The Power of Forgiveness: Kimberly shares her emotional healing process, forgiving her abusers and using her journey as a bridge to help others find peace.
• Encouragement for Aspiring Creatives: "You don't need permission from the world when you've already received purpose from God."

✨ Notable Quotes:
"Writing wasn't something I studied—it was something I survived." "When God gives you a vision, He will make provision." "It's not about the numbers behind your name—it's about the message in your heart." "Support systems are not just nice to have—they're kingdom necessities." "I'm not bitter. I'm blessed."

📚 About Kimberly Stratton:Kimberly is a TEDx speaker, an internationally bestselling author of nine books, and the founder and CEO of The Crown and Cross Consulting and Publishing Company. With a background in criminal justice and psychology, she now uses her voice to empower the voiceless, amplify testimonies of the marginalized, and mentor emerging authors to bring their stories to life—all while upholding biblical principles.

📘 Featured Book:Title: Affirmations: Declare & Decree Over Your Life A powerful devotional filled with scriptural affirmations designed to uplift, encourage, and help readers walk boldly in their identity and purpose.🔗 Connect with Kimberly Stratton:

• Facebook: Kimberly Stratton
• Instagram: @kimberlystratton / @internationalhope
• Publishing Company: The Crown and Cross Consulting & Publishing Company
• Direct Contact (Text Only): 717-623-4321

💡 Final