Denise C. Herndon-Harvey is a dynamic Speaker, Transformation Coach, and bestselling author. Denise’s passion for writing shines through as she discusses her books, including the heartwarming children’s tale, “Growing up Sassafras – Where is my Daddy?” and the empowering “Emergence of Me – Discovering My Identity and Courage Within,” along with the recent international bestseller “Unlock Your Voice.”
Denise’s writing is a reflection of her deep faith and her mission to illuminate God’s grace, love, faith, and hope, especially within families. Her academic achievements, including a Master of Arts in Human Service Counseling and various coaching certifications, demonstrate her commitment to helping others find transformation, deliverance, and healing through faith.
Denise’s story takes intriguing twists, from initially resisting psychology studies to discovering her divine calling in Christian counseling. Her journey is a testament to divine guidance.
Intriguingly, Denise has also ventured into voice coaching, spurred by repeated affirmations of her powerful vocal presence. Her willingness to explore new paths exemplifies her boundless dedication to personal growth.
As a retired Air Force spouse of over 39 years, Denise balances her varied roles with grace, empowering those she encounters. Her impact extends to international stages, with appearances on TV and radio shows, participation in book fairs, and numerous features in publications.
Denise’s life is a testament to resilience and purpose, and her insights offer invaluable guidance to aspiring authors and life coaches. She encourages us to embrace change, conquer fear, and pursue our destined paths.
With exciting projects on the horizon, including a forthcoming workbook/journal and collaborative book ventures, Denise continues to inspire and empower. Her journey is a beacon of hope for those seeking to discover their purpose and take that transformative leap of faith.
Christina: What is your SwagHer? What makes Denise, Denise?
Denise: Denise is unique. God created us all unique and special, and it’s such a blessing when we not only come to understand this, but believe it and walk in that knowledge. That we are loved, that we are blessed, that we are special, and here for a purpose.
Christina: You are an author of many books. Tell us about “Unlock Your Voice”. Where can readers go to purchase it?
Denise: “Unlock Your Voice” is a very special book. The book curator, Megan, is from South Africa, and by obedience and the call of God on her life, she put together this book and invited 11 other Kingdom authors to participate. Giving her our yes, in a way, was all of us giving God our yes. Our yes meant that we would be authentic, share our message, and be obedient to what we’ve been asked to do, to share our message with the world. The book showcases Kingdom strategies from amazing Kingdom authors, and some are international authors, which is why we are blessed to be an international bestseller. You will hear from women who have suffered the loss of a spouse, devastating illnesses, and financial hardship and can share miraculous stories of how God met them and overcame these setbacks. This book explains the foundations of biblical truths and tells each of our stories, helping readers and meeting them where they are and with what they may need to hear and understand for their own lives. The book can be purchased on my website: www.deniseharvey.com.
Christina: Why did you choose to study psychology in college?
Denise: Well, I have a story behind my degree choice. I didn’t want to study psychology. I wanted to study Christian counseling. I had a bad experience where I believed and even said I would never take Psychology again, but God had other plans that I didn’t know or understand. My family and I were stationed overseas in Okinawa, Japan, for the Air Force. I was taking classes at the University of Maryland – Asian Division, and at that time, it was for a business degree, and I had no idea why I was even taking it, except it was a means to an end. I had a professor who would stand in front of the class with his back to us, fill up every board, erase, and start writing all over again. I didn’t do well on the midterm and really needed to get a good grade on the final. Before I could take it, I received a Red Cross notification that my father was terminally ill; he had Pancreatic Cancer. I didn’t know about his diagnosis, I only knew he was in the hospital for testing. Before I could make it to him, he passed away. This all happened from a Friday to Monday. When I tried to take an incomplete for my class because I needed to be at my dad’s bedside, I was told that I could not. I had to withdraw because the professor was retiring, and only he could administer the test. This situation left me so upset, and of course, I linked this with my father’s passing, but I said I was not taking this class over. Ever! Not knowing or understanding my calling and purpose at that time, and that there was such a degree called Christian counseling, and you only get to it through psychology. So, I didn’t choose it; it chose me, and God directed it, and I’m so very thankful for it.
Christina: You have a certification in voice coaching. That is so interesting. Why did you decide to become a certified voice coach?
Denise: Of course, there is a story behind that as well. When we were filming The Kingdom View, after I had finished my first filming, my friend, an amazing businesswoman, and coach, both she and her husband, said to me loudly after we finished recording. “Your voice, she said, Denise, your voice, you will do so much with your voice.” It happened a number of times, and then last year, again, a makeup artist who was getting us ready for a photo shoot said the same thing to me. I said I didn’t know how, but I would figure it out, and sure enough, when you ask, the answers come. I saw an ad for lessons. I applied and signed up for their training. It was such a great experience, I loved it. I loved the process of making the demo reel in the studio and all the great knowledge that was shared with me. So now, it’s about finding what fits me, my schedule, and my voice and how I can be a blessing in this field of work, which is so different from anything else I’ve done.
Christina: What does a day in your life look like?
Denise: No two days are alike. I was blessed to be able to retire last year from my full-time position with the Federal Government, and with that being said, most days, I’m pretty busy with writing and business. There is never a day where there isn’t something that can be taken care of, even if it’s courses and training that I’ve signed up for, including ministry, and I tend to sign up for anything that I know will expand my knowledge. I haven’t gotten involved with voice coaching yet, but it’s on my long list of to-do’s. Still, there are days when I may not want to do much, and it feels great to do just that, nothing. Then there are days with people to speak with, deadlines to meet, and not to mention self-care. I work out, I do what is necessary to take care of myself, my peace, and my private space. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be retired from my full-time job, yet available to mark my own course how I desire to do it, each and every day.
Christina: What are three tips you can give to aspiring authors and/or life coach professionals?
Denise: Three tips I can offer are if you know in your heart that you have been destined to do more, don’t be afraid, but take a good look at your life and where you desire it to be. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you believe can help you with what you desire to do. When it comes to coaching, it’s about helping someone who has a need, who needs accountability, and desires to have someone stand beside you, give you sound advice and help, but will also raise the necessary questions if you’re heading down a questionable track, that may not serve you. Lastly don’t be afraid, fear keeps so many people stuck—stuck, unhappy, unserved, and dissatisfied. Change is never easy, and yes, it can be scary, but if not now, then when? Make the pivot!
Christina: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Denise: I would like to share that I will have a workbook/journal coming out soon that is the companion journal to my book “Emergence of Me, Discovering my Courage and Identity Within,” with the same name. I am also a part of two more collaborative book projects. The next one will be launching at the end of this month (September), “A Kingdom Word Now.” Lastly, in November, “Empowering Women to Succeed Vol 3” which is a co-authored book as well. After that, I have two more solo books that I very much want to complete before the end of this year. I appreciate sharing some of my journey with you, and I pray it will help someone decide to take the chance and pivot in their life and go for what is in their heart to do, to reach for and discover their purpose.
Connect with Denise below:
Website: http://www.deniseharvey.com, https://deniseharvey.icanvoice.com/, and Emergeandrestore.com
Instagram: @deecharvey
Facebook: Denise Harvey
My quote: Our victory is in our pivot! It is in our get-up and live!
Read more by Christina here.
