Hey there, mama! I’m so excited to bring you a powerful story today. Whether you’re juggling your business, raising kids, or feeling like there’s just not enough time for you, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into the inspiring journey of Leona Carter, an intimacy coach, bestselling author, and mom of six who found a way to balance her family life and her passion – and she’s here to show you how you can do it too!

Leona’s story is full of powerful lessons about rebuilding intimacy with your partner, following your dreams, and learning to live for yourself. If you’re ready to reignite your spark, both in your marriage and in your own passions, keep reading.

Who Is Leona Carter?

Leona Carter is a powerhouse mom and coach with a mission: to help women rediscover intimacy and passion in their marriages. She’s been married to her high school sweetheart, Omar, since 1995, and together they’ve built a beautiful life, raising six kids and enjoying the love and connection that comes from being in a committed relationship for over 20 years.

But Leona’s story isn’t just about being a mom and wife. She’s also a successful speaker, author, and intimacy coach, helping women reconnect with their partners on a deeper level.

Her journey to becoming an intimacy coach didn’t happen overnight – it took time, self-reflection, and a big leap of faith. Leona shares how she had to first rediscover her own purpose, beyond just being “Super Mom,” before she could help other women do the same.

From Super Mom to Intimacy Coach: Leona’s Journey

You know the drill – we’re all told that being a mom is the most important thing. And don’t get me wrong, motherhood is an incredible gift. But, as Leona discovered, it’s so easy to lose yourself in the daily grind of taking care of your kids and family. Leona’s “aha” moment came when she realized that it wasn’t enough for her to just be a mom. She needed to pursue her own passions and dreams, too.

Leona’s journey wasn’t about choosing between motherhood and pursuing her career; it was about blending both. She’s living proof that it’s possible to wear the “mom” hat and chase your dreams. And guess what? You can do it too, mama!

Leona’s Big Wake-Up Call: Embracing a New Stage of Life

Leona’s family has grown up over the years, and she’s now in the phase of motherhood where most of her kids are grown and out of the house. But here’s the twist – Leona isn’t sad about it. In fact, she’s excited.

While she was initially worried about the “empty nest” stage, she soon realized that she’s already living in her “next phase.” Leona has been pursuing her passion for years, traveling the world as an international speaker and connecting with women everywhere. So, instead of feeling like she’s losing her identity as a mom, she’s embracing the freedom that comes with this new chapter.

This isn’t to say that she doesn’t love her kids or miss having them around. But it’s a reminder that you can still love your family and find fulfillment in other areas of your life – it’s all about balance.

Leona’s Career Shift: From Nonprofit Worker to Full-Time Speaker

Let’s talk about how Leona made the leap from a steady nine-to-five job to becoming a full-time intimacy coach and speaker. Leona worked at a nonprofit, helping people with disabilities find employment. She loved the work and was climbing the career ladder, but something was missing.

One day, she was asked to step in and teach a class, and it was there that she felt alive for the first time in a while. She knew that she wanted to do more of that. After that experience, she started building her speaking career, wrote a bestselling book, Because I Said So: Equipping and Inspiring Mothers to Be Intentional About the Words They Speak, and eventually took the leap to pursue her passion full-time.

It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one. And if you’re thinking about making a career shift or following your passion, Leona’s story shows that it’s never too late to go for it. You don’t have to be stuck in a job that doesn’t light you up.

What Is Intimacy, Really? (It’s Not Just About Romance!)

Now let’s talk about the heart of Leona’s work: intimacy. When you hear the word “intimacy,” you might automatically think about physical closeness or romance. But intimacy is so much more than that. According to Leona, it’s all about building a deep, emotional connection with your partner and creating a space where both of you can grow together.

Leona helps women rebuild that intimacy by focusing on the emotional and spiritual connection in their relationships. This isn’t just about romantic gestures – it’s about really understanding each other’s needs, building trust, and creating a space for true communication.

So, if you’re feeling disconnected from your partner, know that you’re not alone. Life, especially with kids and businesses, can cause intimacy to take a backseat. But with the right tools and mindset, you can bring that spark back.

As a wife and a mom, I’ve learned the hard way that intimacy doesn’t just magically happen. It’s something you have to nurture every day. And trust me, I’ve been through it all. So let’s dive in and talk about how you can build a deeper, more connected marriage — even if you feel like you’ve lost that spark.

My Personal Journey: From Struggling with Intimacy to Teaching Others How to Find It

When I first got married, I had no clue what intimacy actually was. I had this vision of what I thought it should look like — like something straight out of a rom-com. You know the scene: passionate kisses, sexy moments, and fireworks, right? But when I finally got to my wedding night, none of that happened. I was expecting arousal, connection, and intimacy to just appear out of nowhere.

But instead, I felt confused, distant, and disappointed. I didn’t know what was wrong, but something was definitely off. I thought it was just me, and it made me question whether I could really make this whole marriage thing work.

Fast forward ten years of struggling, and I learned a tough truth: intimacy isn’t just about the physical stuff. It’s about emotional connection, communication, and understanding each other — and that wasn’t happening. I didn’t understand the difference between having sex and building intimacy, and I thought just because we were being physical, we were automatically emotionally connected. But the truth is, we were just drifting further apart.

Intimacy Is More Than Sex

So here’s the deal — intimacy is so much more than physical attraction or even physical acts. It’s about being emotionally available to each other. It’s about being able to communicate openly, especially when things feel tense. And trust me, I’ve been there. My health struggles, including hormonal imbalances, lupus, and arthritis, made it even harder for me to feel connected. My body was fighting against me, and I wasn’t sure how to handle it.

But over time, I learned that intimacy isn’t just for the bedroom — it starts long before you get there. It’s about those little things you do during the day to connect emotionally: texting, talking, spending quality time together. All of that creates a foundation for a stronger, deeper connection.

The Key to Intimacy: Communication

Here’s a simple but often overlooked truth: intimacy requires communication. I used to think my husband should just know what I wanted. But guess what? He didn’t. And he’s not the only one. We all have to learn how to express our needs clearly. If you want your marriage to thrive, you’ve got to communicate — honestly and openly.

But it’s not just about telling your partner what you need. It’s also about listening and understanding their needs. You can’t build intimacy in a relationship if one person is always doing all the talking (or all the listening). It’s about give and take.

I learned the hard way that intimacy starts way before the bedroom. It begins with those little emotional check-ins throughout the day. You know, sending a text, sharing a moment, or just checking in with each other when you’re apart. These things keep you connected, and when you finally do get to the bedroom, it’s like the culmination of everything that’s come before.

Why Women Feel Alone in Their Marriages (And How to Fix It)

A lot of women feel like they’re on an island in their marriages. I hear it all the time: “I feel alone even though I’m with my partner.” You’re not alone if you’re feeling this way, but that doesn’t make it any less painful. You’re not being selfish, but you do need to learn how to ask for what you need. This is where building intimacy truly becomes an act of intentionality.

Sometimes, that emotional disconnect can make you feel like you’re just roommates, not lovers. And that can be frustrating. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you take time to intentionally build a deeper emotional bond, the physical intimacy will follow naturally.

Intimacy Requires Effort: Here’s How to Get Started

Now, if you’re reading this and thinking, “Okay, this sounds great, but how do I actually start building intimacy in my marriage?”, let me break it down for you:

1. Prioritize Emotional Connection – Intimacy doesn’t start when you’re in bed; it starts throughout the day. Take time to check in with each other emotionally. It could be as simple as sending a text during the day or making time for a coffee date to talk about anything other than logistics.
2. Be Present – Whether it’s greeting each other when you get home or making time for a quick chat before bed, show up for your partner. It sounds simple, but being present in the moment goes a long way.
3. Anticipate Each Other’s Needs – In the busyness of life, especially as parents, we often forget to take a step back and anticipate our partner’s emotional needs. Take time to prepare for quality moments together, whether it’s a date night or simply setting aside time for uninterrupted conversation.
4. Respect Boundaries – It’s crucial to communicate your needs and boundaries. And when your partner expresses their needs, respect them. Intimacy is about mutual respect, not just about getting your own needs met.
5. Be Playful and Have Fun – Intimacy doesn’t always have to be serious. You can make it fun! Spice things up by making challenges or games to motivate each other, whether it’s through mutual support for your businesses, fitness goals, or even trying new things together.

Intimacy Takes Two

Let’s be clear: intimacy is a two-way street. You can’t force someone to open up, but you can create a space where your partner feels comfortable and valued. The journey to a deeper connection isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.

You’re building something beautiful — a strong foundation for a healthy, happy marriage. Whether you’re struggling with health issues, a busy family life, or simply feeling disconnected, know that it’s possible to rebuild that closeness.

Intimacy is something you fight for. It’s something you nurture. And when you do, you’ll find that your marriage is stronger, more connected, and more fulfilling than ever.

Guest Bio- 

Leona Carter empowers women to build intimacy with their husbands through the power of dating again. She is a speaker, best-selling author, and intimacy coach. Married since 1995, Leona, and her high school sweetheart, Omarr, have six children and one grandson. As Leona says, “My energy gets the party started!”

To connect with Leona, go to her: LeonaCarter.club | Facebook | LinkedIn | Youtube |  Instagram | Twitter | Whatsapp

And to get a copy of her book, click here.