Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Mason.
Hi Claudia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story starts in Manhattan, New York City where I was born and raised. I’m very much a proud New Yorker although I don’t believe it’s the only place to be. I’m pleased to be in Austin for the time being since it has so much to offer. However, back to how I got to where I am today…
When I was an aspiring ballerina at age 13, studying at George Balanchine’s School of American Ballet (SAB) which groomed young dancers for entrance into the New York City Ballet, I was discovered by a modeling scout at Tower Records which was across the street from Lincoln Center and SAB. I was fortunate to shoot right to the top of the international high fashion industry as a top model who was just entering high school. While I was too young to navigate on my own all of the business demands that are required of young entertainers, I was fortunate to have the guidance of my parents who were very much sophisticated & artistic intellectuals who had my back in all the right ways that a child performer needs, however clueless they were to the commerce side of the industry. After modeling throughout high school by attending the Professional Children’s School, I was accepted into top tier colleges and decided to forego a Bachelor’s Degree for a top modeling career, that I embarked upon full time at 18.
Being an international supermodel definitely has its perks, and I enjoyed most of them: the globe-trotting; the creation of photos, films and fashion shows with the legendary icons of fashion: the designers, photographers, and creative teams; the money; the glamorous high profile lifestyle; and the worldly education of being a businesswoman that you don’t get in university. While all of this was extraordinary, I was missing my performing arts roots and decided to turn my career attention to an acting career. I eventually moved to LA and worked as an actress. It was while living in LA that I deepened my spiritual practices which had been a staple of my upbringing. Through various extraordinary mentors and teachers, both from the consciousness movements and the arts in LA, NY, Paris and beyond, I truly found how to ground myself in my inner life which I found to be the key to a thriving, joyful existence no matter what life throws at you. As I say in my book, Finding The Supermodel In You, “…it’s an inside job…”
I suffered a stroke from an accident in a dance class some years ago which was a wakeup call for me. It led me to re-evaluate my life and re-direct it back to my purpose; to in fact re-define my purpose. Surviving a health crisis like that of an ischemic stroke forces one to look at themself and ask “what am I supposed to learn from this harrowing near death experience?” My strong spiritual center knew there was indeed a definitive answer. I decided to write a book “Finding The Supermodel In You” (Skyhorse Publishing 2016) and repurpose my life. I wanted to focus on how my extraordinary life experiences and choices up til now have given me such a wealth of knowledge and expertise which I find truly satisfying to share with others so that they may grab the life they’ve always dreamed of.
I’ve been a natural coach my entire life and recently decided to get certified. My emphasis as a life coach is on the spiritual. I guide people from where they are to where they want to be by helping them get in touch with their intuitive nature. They are then more easily able to create the life they truly want. Whether I’m coaching one on one or giving talks to audiences, it is truly a joy to be able to work with and help people of all backgrounds and ages to thrive in life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh, there are always struggles on the road to success – that is indeed part of how one achieves success, and by “success” I am speaking of true success: that of growing oneself to one’s fullest human potential and capacity; thriving in all areas of life.
I have scoliosis and wore a body brace from ages 12 – 18, yes throughout my early modeling years! Check out my book (Amazon link below article) for some of those intense and difficult stories; from being made fun of and bullied at school, to having extreme back pain and lots of X-rays to check on the curvature of my spine; to being on modeling sets and wearing my brace right up ’til they call “action”.
Being a stroke survivor has definitely been a challenge. The PTSD led recuperation time and the initial feeling of wanting to hide from the world was a tremendous weight to bear. I found that taking an action instead of wallowing in self-pity is key to finding my resilient nature again and again throughout the many twists and turns that life throws my way. The “art of not-stopping” is something I’ve developed throughout my life; getting up to bat again and again is the way forward. The more I’m able to share my growth and learning with other people, the more we lift each other up together. It’s the only way forward for our species!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m a certified life coach with an emphasis on the spiritual.
My mission is to guide people to experience the joy of a more resilient life built upon inner guidance and conscious behavior. I help clients:
– Access their innate power and infinite wisdom
– Cultivate self-acceptance
– Develop more confidence and self-esteem
– Get back on their feet after experiencing a setback
– Cope with challenging situations and adversity of every kind
– Cultivate the art of “not stopping”
– Recognize and take pride in their achievements
– Get from where they are to where they want to be
– Generally: live more consciously, confidently and courageously.
Check out my site (link below) for more info including how to book a session with me – you’ll find everything you need to know about my life coaching practice. Including:
– How and why I chose to become certified in this field…
– Why my emphasis is on the spiritual…
– The value of coaching for anyone and everyone and how it works…
– How to book a complimentary session with me…
– Info for you to reacquaint yourself with my varied background in other careers and how these experiences benefit my coaching clients…
For all this and more, click: www.claudiamason.com
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’d love to connect with you and talk about how coaching can help you to live an abundant life full of well-being and prosperity!
For all info on how to contact me for coaching, book me for a workshop or lecture, or where to follow me on social.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@claudiamason.com
- Website: www.claudiamason.com
- Instagram: @claudiamason1
- Twitter: @claudiamason1
- LinkedIn: Claudia Mason
- Youtube
- Purchase Claudia’s Book
