Rebekah Lynn Pierce is a writer, veteran, teacher, and speaker who proudly describes herself as “a problem-solving, soul-connecting, life-empowering Divine Spark of God.” Her spark truly shines through her devotion to helping and inspiring others through her many ventures with RLP Productions like The Lemonade Mindset Magazine and podcast, Maggie’s Cupcake Café, and her new television series, Beyond the Plate RVA. Recently, Rebekah took time out of her busy schedule for this Sheen Magazine exclusive to discuss her vibrant career and her commitment to building a lasting legacy to help and inspire others.
Who is Rebekah Lynn Pierce?
I am a problem-solving, soul-connecting, life-empowering Divine Spark of God. I’m here to be of service through the shining of my light. I’m a writer, veteran, teacher, and speaker. I live by the Maya Angelou quote, “I can be changed by what happens to me. I refuse to be reduced by it.”
What is the art of baking?
The art of baking is love. I continue the tradition of my ancestors in expressing my love through sweet treats at my bakery, Maggie’s Cupcake Café. When someone prepares a meal for you with their own hands, it’s the highest expression of love because the act takes time. How special and loved must one be to have another human take time out of their day to prepare a meal or a sweet treat for you!
What inspired you to persist through your greatest challenges?
The belief that God did not bring me this far to leave me now is my inspiration during tough times. I’ve learned that life is a series of lessons—lessons that we must take with us to the next level of living so that we can become the full manifestation of what the Divine intended us to be. Regardless of how painful the lesson may be, the growth of becoming our best selves requires that we accept and internalize the lesson. I agree with the mantra, “Lessons are blessings.”
Tell us more about your accomplishments.
Motherhood! I raised one child to 18; pray for me with the 10-year-old! I’ve won a few awards for my novels, plays, and screenplay. I was named 2019 Teacher of the Year for a college prep program and I’ve had the honor of seeing my work performed on the small screen and Off-Broadway.
My company, RLP Productions, launched the publication, The Lemonade Mindset Magazine, in 2019. It’s a positive affirmation e-zine published once a month and is available to readers free via our website and social media. We believe that to change your life, you must change your thoughts.
We also premiered our new culinary show, Beyond the Plate RVA, in February 2020. We recently signed a streaming agreement with SoulVision.TV with new episodes airing this fall. We also launched the only virtual delivery bakery service, Maggie’s Cupcake Café, in early 2020 with ordering now available via Instagram and Facebook. I named the café in honor of my dear friend Maggie who died of breast cancer in 2012.
What’s your truth to success?
Success is a team effort. I couldn’t do all I’ve done without the support and encouragement of my family and friends. I’m an ambitious woman who sometimes gets in her own way because I think I can do it all. In recent years, I’ve had to take off my cape because trying to be Superwoman was killing me emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially. I had to learn how to stay in my lane and learn to say “no.” Being clear about your strengths and weaknesses, asking for help, and keeping a sense of humor are the keys to success for me.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to mirror your success?
Pray on it first. Get clear about your intentions and your calling. Then, build what I call your Crying Angel Network, which is a group of three to five men and women who, although they may not fully understand your vision, they know the power of God and will pray for you and call you out when you’re out of line or off track. They’re your accountability team. Finally, I encourage you to study your craft. Don’t think you know everything or have seen everything. Be open and flexible to learning and growing. Keep your eyes on your vision but don’t chase the dollar. When you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing in the right way and with the right intentions, the money will follow.
What sense of purpose do you draw from your culture or community?
The spirit of the African American community is one of determination and strong will. We’ve overcome so much evil intended to destroy us, but we took what was meant for harm and turned it into good. From literature to music to technology to education, we are victorious. I am determined to practice victory through my work every day that I’m breathing. Their struggles won’t be in vain. We have come too far to turn back or stop now.
How can we learn more about your work?
The Lemonade Mindset Magazine website.
The Lemonade Mindset Podcast: available on iTunes and Podbean.
Maggie’s Cupcake Café: Instagram and Facebook @MaggiesCupcakeCafé
Beyond the Plate RVA: SoulVision.TV – under “Interview Shows”
RLP Productions: Facebook and Twitter @ProductionsRLP
Rebekah L. Pierce: website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, & LinkedIn – @RebekahPierce
All images by Msk photography
I met Rebekah as an author and playwright. She has re-invented herself several times as revealed in this article
She truly inspires me to believe “It ain’t over, till it’s over.” We are more, much more, than the one thing we thought we could do.