How I Turned My Pain Into Medicine

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Malikah Greene is a force of nature. When you meet her, you immediately know that she is a woman who simply refuses defeat. In this blog post, she shares what catapulted her from the brink of financial ruin to proudly owning her own business full-time as a mom of two amazing boys.

As usual, there was a relationship involved. Actually, there were three. The abusive relationship that was the burning catalyst for starting over, the money relationship that she transformed, and the one with herself that she healed. 

She aims to inspire women, provide you with financial intelligence and tools, and show you that healing your money relationship could be the beginning of transforming your life. 

In her own words, she shares her story…

Describe yourself in 3 words:  

I would describe myself as authentic, tenacious, and spunky.  

Where are you in the world?  

Currently, I’m in South Carolina but in a phase of transition, exploring new opportunities and places to settle while building my business.  

Who are you uninterrupted?  

Uninterrupted, I am a woman of integrity, inner peace, and deep connection. When I am without distractions, I reflect deeply and commit to my personal growth and evolution. I embrace self-care, cultivate meaningful relationships, and find grounding in moments of stillness. My purpose is rooted in uplifting others, but I also remain true to my own standards and vision. Everything I do is connected to my desire to live authentically.  

What has been the biggest obstacle in your life to date?  

The biggest obstacle in my life was getting out of an almost 5-year abusive relationship. I was young and felt ashamed for being in that situation. I had to figure things out alone. Asking for help felt like a sign of weakness, so I handled everything—finding a new job, a new place to live, and filing court documents—all without support from family or close friends. This difficult chapter taught me the importance of being intentional, whether it’s in relationships, money management, or spiritual growth. I came out of that experience trusting myself more, both in life and in business.  

What beliefs have you discarded to feel more at peace with yourself?  

One of the most powerful beliefs I’ve discarded is the idea that I must suppress my voice or my true self to be liked or safe. For too long, I believed that my worth was tied to supporting others, even at the expense of my own well-being. After ending my abusive relationship, I realized that my voice and opinions are valuable and that I deserve to be respected and loved for who I am. This belief shift allowed me to release the need for external validation and focus on nurturing relationships built on mutual respect and understanding.

What’s your story?  

My story is one of transformation, resilience, and purpose. After ending an abusive relationship, I faced one of the hardest challenges of my life: reclaiming my voice and my worth. This experience was the beginning of my journey toward self-love and personal empowerment. It was not an easy path, but it taught me that I have the strength to overcome even the darkest moments.

Becoming a mom to two Black boys in America has been one of the most significant parts of my story. I am intentional about the example I set for them—making sure the space I take up fosters love, respect, and freedom. My values have evolved over time, and now, self-love, integrity, and preparing my sons for the world guide everything I do.

Financial freedom became a priority when I started my first business. I realized the benefits of being able to control my own time and income. I wanted to leave corporate life, which pushed me to develop a financial plan that included becoming debt-free and investing wisely. These milestones—along with earning my degree in chemical engineering, becoming a business owner, and helping my first client, who called my coaching “life-changing”— are among my proudest achievements. They remind me of my purpose and the positive impact I can have on others.

As a money coach, I now use my experiences to empower others to improve their relationship with money, so they can live in alignment with their purpose. I believe that when you heal your relationship with money, you heal many other areas of your life. My work isn’t just about achieving financial freedom—it’s about creating a life of integrity, love, and freedom for myself, my children, and the people I serve.

What’s my truth?  

My truth is that self-expression and setting standards are essential to living authentically and peacefully. I’ve learned that my voice and opinions are valuable, and I deserve respect and love, just as I give to others. My experiences have taught me that embracing who I truly am and setting boundaries is crucial not just for my well-being, but also for my sons. I now focus on nurturing relationships where mutual respect and understanding are paramount, and I raise my children to feel empowered to express themselves freely.

If you could go back to a time when you felt most in struggle, what would you tell that version of yourself?  

I would tell her to focus on herself. Learn herself. Love herself. Take up space. Most importantly of all, I would remind her that she is strong, resilient, and will make it through. You have so many reasons to live, namely MJ and Max.


Bio:

Malikah Greene, Money Coach and author of this blog post

Malikah Greene is a mom raising two vibrant “sonshines” and a money coach dedicated to helping corporate moms create financial exit plans to transition into full-time “mompreneurship”.

Drawing from her personal experiences of overcoming challenges and achieving financial freedom, Malikah empowers women to take charge of their finances, and physical and mental health with her financial wellness workshops and money coaching program. She guides moms toward financial security and a fulfilling life of freedom.

Connect with Malikah on Facebook.

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