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Tanya Stokes is bringing “The Woman I’m Becoming” to Elaine’s — Your transformation starts here!

Our agenda for the Sunday Brunch event:

• Noon: Meet, greet, and order food and drinks from Elaine’s award-winning menu
• 1pm: Our 45-minute interview begins, followed by a 15-minute Q&A with the audience to be produced on our popular podcast and video series
• 2pm: Guests talk with the author, buy the books, and get them signed!

About Author Tanya Stokes: A bestselling author, publisher, spoken word artist, and creative entrepreneur whose work inspires healing, personal growth, and purposeful living, Tanya is the founder of Compassionate Designs Publishing. Tanya has helped aspiring authors transform their stories into professionally published books while empowering them to embrace their voices with confidence. Through her writing, speaking, and workshops, she creates spaces where authenticity, faith, and resilience intersect.

Her latest book, The Woman I’m Becoming, is a powerful guide to self-discovery, healing, and transformation, encouraging women to release limiting beliefs, embrace their worth, and boldly step into the women they were created to become. Tanya is also the creator of the Praise & Paint experience, blending creativity, biblical encouragement, and reflection into unforgettable events that promote healing and connection.

When she’s not writing or mentoring new authors, Tanya serves her community through the ANT777 Motorcycle Foundation, an organization dedicated to motorcycle safety awareness and honoring the legacy of her son through education, advocacy, and service. Whether speaking from the stage, sharing poetry, or guiding readers through life’s transitions, Tanya’s message remains the same: your story matters, your healing is possible, and your becoming is worth embracing. Learn more: compassionate-designs.com

About the Book: The Woman I’m Becoming

Your transformation starts here.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unseen, or unworthy, The Woman I’m Becoming is your invitation to rewrite the story. This empowering self-help and personal growth book for women blends raw truth, relatable storytelling, and practical tools to help you reclaim your confidence, heal your heart, and step fully into the life you deserve.

Author and poet Tanya Stokes takes you on an intimate journey of self-discovery, sharing powerful life lessons on:

• Self-love and self-worth—how to love yourself first without guilt
• Confidence and boundaries—mastering the art of saying “no” with grace and strength
• Emotional healing—breaking free from cycles of love deprivation and scarcity
• Spiritual growth—nurturing your faith and finding peace in the process
• Life alignment—defining success on your terms, not the world’s
• Courage and visibility—coming out of the shadows and owning your voice

Each chapter includes reflection prompts, journaling exercises, and affirmations designed to help you apply the lessons to your own life—making this an interactive guide for women ready to evolve mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Whether you’re navigating heartbreak, healing from loss, stepping into a new season, or simply craving a deeper connection with yourself, The Woman I’m Becoming will give you the tools, encouragement, and unapologetic push you need to:

Stop waiting for permission and start living boldly.

If you enjoy books like Untamed by Glennon Doyle, Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab, or Believe Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniels—you’ll love the honesty, empowerment, and life-changing insights in this book.

Step into the next chapter of your life. Meet the woman you were always meant to be.

Click here to buy The Woman I’m Becoming.

About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com

Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.