Stories From Behind the Mask - The parts we edit out

Joanna Wood

Step behind the polished surfaces and curated feeds. This is where we hear the stories we usually keep to ourselves — the doubts, the triumphs, the moments that shaped us. Each episode, I sit down with bold entrepreneurs, creators, and change-makers to uncover the parts they’ve edited out, the truths they rarely share, and the lessons that transformed them. If you want to see people as they really are — messy, human, and extraordinary — this is your front-row seat.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 20 - Ann Diment - Resilience Rebel - ADHD Resilience Coaching

    For decades, Ann wore masks to keep the peace - people pleasing to avoid conflict, performing “I’m fine” while silently carrying the weight of trauma. In her marriage and on stage in her ex’s band, she played roles built on other people’s words, other people’s needs. All the while, her own voice was waiting - patient, persistent, powerful. Her journey through cPTSD recovery, divorce, and finally an ADHD diagnosis has cracked those masks wide open. She’s no longer “broken” or “too much.” She’s a woman discovering her boundaries, her resilience, and her freedom to take up space as she is: vibrant, sensual, creative, unapologetically neurodivergent. Now, Ann steps forward as the founder of Resilience Rebel, a poet, artist, and entrepreneur who is ready to live on her own terms. For her, visibility is not just about being seen - it’s about being proud of every part of herself: her mind, her body, her story. Her voice is no longer borrowed. It’s her own. And it’s time to be heard. https://www.resilience-rebel.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-diment-changemaker/ https://www.instagram.com/resiliencerebel www.joannawoodphotography.co.uk www.instagram.com/joannawoodphotography https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-wood-photography-6747a7235/ https://www.facebook.com/joanna.wood.13/

    Episode 20 - Ann Diment - Resilience Rebel - ADHD Resilience Coaching

  2. Jul 15

    Episode 19 - Sarah Heron - Personal Brand Stylist

    Sarah spent years hiding behind the belief that she had to fit a mould to be taken seriously. She thought success meant being polished, quiet, small, or simply what society deemed “acceptable.” Perfectionism and anonymity behind curated posts became her shields, and she tried to be everything for everyone before allowing herself to fully show up. Over time, she realised that authentic visibility showing her real self was what would truly attract her tribe. Her mask has long been confidence without cracks: the woman who always knows the answer, who appears to have it all together. But beneath that façade was fear -fear of judgment, self-criticism, and a belief that she had to work harder to earn the right to be visible. Even when she embraced bold, full-length imagery, she carried remnants of that old fear. Sarah rarely speaks about the personal and professional toxicity she has navigated, love lost, narcissistic abuse, stillbirth, grief, or about the reality of building a brand as a plus-size, 62-year-old woman in an industry obsessed with youth and narrow beauty ideals. That invisibility, and the struggle to be seen, fuels her mission: to help others who feel like they don’t fit the standard, showing them how to step forward with unapologetic confidence. What she wants the world to know is that her confidence wasn’t handed to her; it was built, layer by layer, through inner work, self-acceptance, and courageous choice. Every challenge, every moment of invisibility, every stereotype she’s had to fight against has shaped her self-worth. Today, it is rooted not in external approval but in knowing she can show others what’s possible when you claim your space. For Sarah, true visibility is freedom. It’s being seen as she truly is in her brilliance, her softness, her wisdom, her imperfections, and her plus-size body without shrinking, masking, or apologising. Through her story, Sarah proves that confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about alignment, authenticity, and courage. If she can step forward at 62, breaking every stereotype that says she should stay quiet or small, then anyone can. Her journey is a testament: you are never too much, never too old, never too different  you are exactly enough to be seen. Sarah has spent a lifetime learning that visibility is about more than appearances. Her mask of confidence concealed fear, self-criticism, and years of battling invisibility. Her story shows that true visibility comes from authenticity, courage, and claiming your space no matter your age, size, or the world’s expectations. Sarah’s journey is proof that you can shine fully, unapologetically, exactly as you are. https://www.truecolourswithsarahheron.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TrueColourswithSarahHeron/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-heron/ www.joannawoodphotography.co.uk www.instagram.com/joannawoodphotography https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-wood-photography-6747a7235/ https://www.facebook.com/joanna.wood.13/

    Episode 19 - Sarah Heron - Personal Brand Stylist

  3. Jul 8

    Episode 18 - Nerissa Heald - Leadership and Empowerment Consultant

    Nerissa has spent much of her life hiding behind strength, competence, and perfection. As a manager, a friend, and a leader, she smiled through exhaustion, fear, and self-doubt, believing that being “the strong one” was the only way to be seen, respected, and safe. Her mask projected confidence, resilience, and control - yet beneath it, fear of rejection, invisibility, and not belonging ran deep. Her journey has been marked by people-pleasing, corporate silencing, and health battles, including colitis that left her bedridden. These experiences forged a determination to help women reclaim their voice, set boundaries, and embrace their worth. She has been broken, betrayed, and tested - yet she continues to rise, unapologetically embracing both her strength and vulnerability. For Nerissa, true visibility is showing the face behind the armour, speaking even when her voice trembles, and allowing the world to see the human beneath the success. Her story is one of rebellion, courage, and authenticity: a testament to surviving hardship, learning from it, and helping others find their own power along the way. Nerissa hid behind strength, perfection, and over-giving, masking fear, illness, and heartbreak. Now she stands unapologetically in her truth, showing that vulnerability and resilience can coexist, and that true worth is not up for negotiation. https://www.nerissaheald.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/nerissa.heald www.joannawoodphotography.co.uk www.instagram.com/joannawoodphotography https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-wood-photography-6747a7235/ https://www.facebook.com/joanna.wood.13/

    Episode 18 - Nerissa Heald - Leadership and Empowerment Consultant

  4. Jul 1

    Episode 16 - Jane Lloyd - Fine Artist

    Jane has spent her life hiding behind her art. Her paintings, delicate wildlife, and soft edges have always been her shield - the part of her she lets the world see. But behind the brushstrokes lies a woman who has carried grief, fear, and self-doubt for decades. Losing her mother at 13, a partner to cancer on her 21st birthday, and navigating postnatal depression and mental health challenges, Jane has learned to survive by shrinking herself, being quiet, lovable, and easy. Her mask of calm, kindness, and capability has been a way to be seen, to be the “good girl,” while quietly wrestling with overwhelm, ADHD questions, and self-belief that faltered under trauma. Stepping away from teaching and into her own creative path has been her first act of true self-advocacy. Slowly, she is learning that she doesn’t need to be cheerful, perfect, or tidy to be worthy - she just needs to be herself. For Jane, visibility means showing up fully - messy, imperfect, human, and creative. It means sharing her fears, her mistakes, and her emotional depth, so that others may see that struggle and resilience can coexist. Through her art and her story, Jane helps others feel less alone, encouraging them to embrace their messy, brilliant selves and to know that they too can reclaim their voice. Jane has stepped beyond fear and perfectionism to embrace her authentic, creative self. Through her art and her story, she shows that worth isn’t about being tidy or perfect - it’s about courage, resilience, and daring to be fully seen. https://www.instagram.com/janelloydfineartist/ https://www.janelloydfineartist.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/JaneLloydArtist/ www.joannawoodphotography.co.uk www.instagram.com/joannawoodphotography https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-wood-photography-6747a7235/ https://www.facebook.com/joanna.wood.13/

    Episode 16 - Jane Lloyd - Fine Artist

  5. Jun 24

    Episode 15 - Katie Page - Business & Mindset Mentor For Reflexologists

    Katie spent much of her life hiding behind pleasing others, quietly dimming her own voice to make those around her proud. Her mask was subtle but telling - her bangles, a symbol of the persona she showed to the world while her true self stayed in the shadows. The turning point came when she realised she could step out of pleaser mode and allow herself to be fully seen. In that moment, she chose herself over expectation, her authenticity over performance. Since then, Katie has built a life and a business rooted in balance, connection, and self-care, helping therapists grow with confidence while staying true to who they are. For Katie, visibility isn’t about being loud or perfect. It’s about showing up fully as her human self, embracing vulnerability, imperfections, and passions alike. Her story is a testament to the power of choosing yourself, standing in your worth, and creating space for others to do the same. Katie once hid behind people-pleasing and subtle masks, but she stepped into her truth, embracing authenticity, vulnerability, and balance. Her journey shows that real visibility comes from choosing yourself, even when it feels uncomfortable. https://www.instagram.com/katiepagebusinessology/ https://katiepage.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-page-businessology-50831168/ www.joannawoodphotography.co.uk www.instagram.com/joannawoodphotography https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-wood-photography-6747a7235/ https://www.facebook.com/joanna.wood.13/

    Episode 15 - Katie Page - Business & Mindset Mentor For Reflexologists

  6. Jun 17

    Episode 14 - Nina De Sausmarez - Confidence Coach

    Nina has spent her life dimming the brilliance and magnetism she was born with, afraid it might overwhelm others or make them uncomfortable. Behind the humour, boldness, and “zero FCKS” persona lies a woman who actually cares deeply - whose heart has closed at times, but who has always longed to belong and be loved. Her journey wasn’t easy. She struggled at school, leaving without qualifications and carrying years of shame and self-doubt. For a long time, she compared herself to others, resented women, and hid behind protection and projection. But through courage, self-work, and radical honesty with herself, Nina emerged as the woman she was always meant to be: outrageously fun, magnetically bold, and fully visible. For Nina, visibility isn’t just about being seen - it’s about joy. Total, unrestrained joy that radiates from the woman who once doubted herself so profoundly. She shares her story so others can recognise that their past is not a life sentence, but a lesson, and that they too can choose how the world sees them — by first seeing and celebrating themselves. Nina has transformed from an insecure, shy young woman into a bold, joyful force of nature. Her story shows that embracing your brilliance, your heart, and your joy is the key to being truly seen and creating a life you love. https://ninadesausmarez.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ninadesausmarez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shinewithnina234/ www.joannawoodphotography.co.uk www.instagram.com/joannawoodphotography https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-wood-photography-6747a7235/ https://www.facebook.com/joanna.wood.13/

    Episode 14 - Nina De Sausmarez - Confidence Coach

  7. Jun 10

    Episode 13 - Gina Trick - Business Strategist & Mentor

    Gina spent years hiding behind the “good girl” persona, the one who kept the peace, never rocked the boat, and avoided conflict at all costs. Growing up in a household with a verbally abusive, controlling, and gaslighting father, she learned to stay quiet, never express her opinion, and work tirelessly to meet impossible expectations. She did everything to avoid confrontation, always trying to be perfect, all while knowing it would never feel like enough. Her mask has been achievement. On the outside, she appears as the high-achiever, the strategist, the one who can handle anything. But underneath, it’s driven by a need for external validation, praise and recognition to provide temporary boosts of self-worth that never last. Gina rarely speaks about how her drive to achieve stems from growing up feeling inadequate. She was never praised, no matter how hard she tried, and that shaped her into someone who pushed harder and harder, eventually running herself into burnout while managing a 7-figure wedding and events business. Ninety-hour weeks and trying to make everyone else happy quietly destroyed her, even as she kept everything looking perfect on the outside. What she wants the world to know is that her success hasn’t come from having it all together. It’s come from unravelling the patterns of her past, admitting that she doesn’t always feel good enough, and learning that true visibility means showing up as she is not who she thinks others want her to be. Her experiences have taught her that self-worth cannot be measured by others’ opinions, achievements, or the hours she works. Real self-belief comes from within, though it’s an ongoing journey. For Gina, being truly visible means speaking her truth without a mask, not chasing approval, not pretending to be confident or perfect, but letting people see the real her: the strategist, the mentor, and the woman who rebuilt her voice after years of silence. Through her story, Gina shows that you don’t need to chase validation or burn yourself out to be worthy. By dropping the masks and listening to your own voice, you can build a business and a life that feels as good as it looks. If she could recover from burnout and reclaim her power, others can too. https://ginatrick.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginatrick/ https://www.instagram.com/ginatrickstrategist/ www.joannawoodphotography.co.uk www.instagram.com/joannawoodphotography https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-wood-photography-6747a7235/ https://www.facebook.com/joanna.wood.13/

    Episode 13 - Gina Trick - Business Strategist & Mentor

  8. Jun 3

    Episode 12 - Hela Wozniak-Kay - Sister Snog Connectress - Author - Sub stacker

    For more than two decades, Hela has been the heartbeat of Sister Snog, the bold, bodacious, tribal brand that has connected extraordinary women across industries. To the outside world, she’s The Connectress: magnetic, stylish, and endlessly generous in the way she celebrates others. But behind the sparkle of the brand and the stage lights of her alter ego, there’s a woman learning to be seen not just as The Connectress, but as Totally Hela. She’s spent years shining the spotlight on others by weaving connections, cheering from the side lines, and curating a community where Sisterliness thrives. The UNMASKED experience arrived at just the right time, a moment of truth where she could step out from behind the brand and let the world meet the woman who built it. Her story is layered with colour, culture, and courage. The hats, fascinators and floral crowns she wears aren't just playful accessories. They're symbolic. The flower crown, rooted in her Polish heritage, embodies youth, vitality, and a deep connection to nature and tradition. It’s her reminder that even at 63, she’s in a “teenage renaissance” embracing life with renewed curiosity and the wisdom of experience. She’s entering a new era, one that might take her beyond Brighton, even beyond Britain. A chapter of expansion, creativity, and raw honesty. One where she’s no longer just the connector of others, but the storyteller of her own life with all its humour, heart, and human imperfection. For Hela, being visible now means more than magazine covers or Netflix dreams (though she’s still manifesting both). It means standing fully in her truth, flaws, sparkle, and all and letting her realness be the bridge that connects others back to themselves. Her greatest legacy is the constellation of friendships she’s built, the women she’s championed, the laughter she’s shared, and the colour she’s added to every life she’s touched. Because, as Hela says, “In the cookies of life, friends are the chocolate chips.” https://www.linkedin.com/in/hela-wozniak-kay/ https://www.sistersnog.com/ www.joannawoodphotography.co.uk www.instagram.com/joannawoodphotography https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-wood-photography-6747a7235/ https://www.facebook.com/joanna.wood.13/

    Episode 12 - Hela Wozniak-Kay - Sister Snog Connectress - Author - Sub stacker
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About

Step behind the polished surfaces and curated feeds. This is where we hear the stories we usually keep to ourselves — the doubts, the triumphs, the moments that shaped us. Each episode, I sit down with bold entrepreneurs, creators, and change-makers to uncover the parts they’ve edited out, the truths they rarely share, and the lessons that transformed them. If you want to see people as they really are — messy, human, and extraordinary — this is your front-row seat.

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