Alethea Crimmins wasn’t always bursting with confidence. Instead, the lively musician and life coach says she grew up feeling as though her voice didn’t matter.
“I carried the weight of other people’s expectations until it started to crush me,” Crimmins candidly shares with BrownStyle Magazine about her journey to finding her authentic self.
According to Crimmins, everything changed when she stopped trying to fit into the mold of others and started embracing the parts of herself she once tried to hide.
“One of the biggest turning points in my life was realizing that resilience isn’t about having it all together—it’s about falling apart and finding the strength to rebuild,” she explains. “I had to learn how to give myself grace and to see failure not as a dead end but as a lesson. That mindset didn’t just shift my perspective; it completely changed how I approach life.”
That shift not only transformed her life but also shaped her mission of helping people break free from self-doubt.
As someone who knows what it’s like to feel invisible and to question your worth, Crimmins takes pride in helping others unlock the power of stepping into their truth. According to her, the messiest parts of our journey are often the most beautiful.
“For me, it’s all about creating a safe space where people feel like they can breathe,” Crimmins shares about her approach as a life coach. “Whether I’m speaking to a crowd of a thousand or sitting one-on-one, I lead with vulnerability. I don’t just share my wins—I talk about the struggles, the doubts, and the moments I wanted to quit. Because people don’t connect with perfection—they connect with realness.”
In this candid interview, Crimmins talks about her journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance, why coaching is her driving force, and how she hopes her music will inspire others to own their stories. We hope this inspires you!
BrownStyle Magazine: In your motivational talks, you focus on resilience and self-acceptance. Are there moments from your life that you draw inspiration from?
Alethea Crimmins: Absolutely, and let me tell you—it hasn’t always been pretty. I’ve had moments where I felt like I was failing in every role: as a mother, a friend, a leader. There were times I thought, “God, am I even good enough for the things you’ve called me to do?”
When I speak about resilience, I’m not giving people a picture-perfect version of success. I’m telling them about the messy, ugly, cry-on-the-floor moments that shaped me because when you embrace who you are—even the parts you wish you could hide—you unlock an unstoppable power.
BSM: Coaching relies on connecting deeply with people. How do you approach building that connection?
Alethea: I make it a point to ‘listen’. I don’t want anyone walking away feeling like they were just talked at—I want them to feel like they were seen and heard. When I ask questions, I’m not just filling time; I’m genuinely curious about their stories. That’s where the magic happens—when someone realizes that their pain, their triumphs, and their journey all matter.
And listen, I keep it fun, too. I’ll throw in a little humor, some stories from my own life, and even a bit of slang to keep it relatable. At the end of the day, I want people to feel like they’re not alone—and that they have the tools to build the life they dream of.
BSM: Your song, ‘Shine’ is deeply rooted in your own experiences. How do you navigate staying true to yourself while balancing the demands of the music industry?
Alethea: Let me tell you, navigating the music industry is no joke! There’s always someone with an opinion, a “this is how it’s done” speech, or a checklist of how you should be. But with ‘Shine’, I had to remind myself why I started: this isn’t just a song—it’s my story.
I’ve learned to stay grounded in my “why.” For me, this isn’t about chasing trends or trying to fit into anyone else’s mold. It’s about creating something that inspires people to show up boldly as themselves. There have been moments when I’ve had to say, “No, this doesn’t feel right for me,” and let me tell you—that’s not easy in an industry that’s all about the next big thing.
But the beauty of “Shine” is that it’s more than music; it’s a movement. It’s about reminding people that their light matters, even when the world tries to dim it. And trust me, I’ve been in those spaces where I felt like I had to shrink to fit in. Now, I refuse to do that.
Every decision I make—from the music to the visuals to how I promote it—has to align with who I am and what I stand for. Because at the end of the day, if I’m not staying true to myself, how can I encourage others to do the same?
BSM: What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck or unsure about embracing their authentic self, especially within the queer community?
Alethea: My advice? Be yourself out loud! Don’t shrink, don’t dim your light, and don’t let the world tell you who you’re supposed to be.
Listen, I’ve been there—I spent years hiding who I was, trying to fit into what I thought other people wanted me to be. It was exhausting and heartbreaking because no matter how much I tried, it was never enough for everyone. And you know what I learned? Haters are gonna hate regardless. So why not let them hate while you’re fully, unapologetically you?
Your job is not to make the world comfortable. Your job is to live your truth and walk in the purpose that was designed just for you.
The world needs you exactly as you are—flaws, quirks, and all. I’ve found so much freedom and joy in embracing my authentic self, and I promise you that the moment you stop caring about the opinions of people who don’t even dare to be themselves, your life will change.
Stop asking for permission to shine. Stop dulling your edges to fit into spaces you were never meant to belong to. Be bold. Be brave. And most importantly, be you. You are one-of-a-kind, and you’re already perfect just as you are!
BSM: What’s next for you? Are there any projects, collaborations, or goals that you’re particularly excited about?
Alethea: Oh, there’s so much I’m looking forward to! Right now, I’m gearing up for a lot of exciting speaking engagements across the U.S. and Canada, and honestly, I couldn’t be more thrilled.
Speaking is my heart—it’s where I feel the most alive and connected. There’s just something about standing in front of a room, sharing my story, and seeing the lightbulb moments in people’s eyes. It’s not just about inspiring others; it’s about creating a shared experience that uplifts all of us.
On top of that, I’m continuing to pour into my music, especially following the release of ‘Shine.’ I’ve got some creative collaborations in the works and plans to expand the reach of my message, whether through partnerships, music videos, or even surprise projects I’m dreaming up!
For me, everything comes back to purpose. Whether I’m on a stage, in a studio, or connecting with someone one-on-one, my goal is always the same: to empower people to shine unapologetically, to own their truth, and to live boldly. The journey ahead is packed with possibilities, and I’m walking into it with excitement, gratitude, and a whole lot of faith.
To learn more about Alethea Crimmins, visit iamalethea.com!
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
