HI, I'M EZLYN
I support powerhouse leaders to awaken to their next level genius and activate their highest potential.
AS FEATURED IN
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THE WHOLE STORY
From Marketing & Business Development in Corporate ...
I began my professional journey in the dynamic world of advertising, working for the leading ad agency in the country. My career quickly evolved, taking me through diverse roles in public relations, sponsorship marketing, event management, sales, and business development. Recognized for my talent and expertise, I was headhunted and identified as top talent by some of the world’s most prestigious companies.
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Throughout my vibrant corporate career, I had the privilege of collaborating with and contributing to blue-chip organizations such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, L’Oréal Paris, and the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. While these experiences were incredibly enriching and provided me with a wealth of knowledge and skills, I found myself yearning for something more. I wanted to infuse my life with deeper meaning, purpose, and fulfillment, which led me to embark on a new path of personal and professional growth.
xo Ezlyn Olivia Barends
... to Social Entrepreneur ...
At the age of 25, I experienced my first spiritual awakening, often referred to as a quarter-life crisis. By then, I had completed my undergraduate degree in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship, completed an excellent internship, and embarked on my career as a young professional. However, one day, I found myself asking pivotal questions: Is this all there is to life? Is this all there is to me? Who am I? Why am I here, and what impact will my life have? These profound questions set me on a lifelong journey of deep self-discovery and a commitment to living a life of service.
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Growing up in a family where community, philanthropy, giving back and paying it forward are second nature, I was naturally inclined towards service. As a college student, I volunteered at a girls’ orphanage, and following my quarter-life crisis, I agreed to manage our family-owned non-profit organization, the Dad Fund, alongside my father. Under my leadership, we provided educational, entrepreneurial, and internship opportunities to over 25,000 youth across South Africa.
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In 2011, I co-founded DreamGirls Academy with some of my dearest female friends. The organization aims to break generational cycles of poverty through the education and empowerment of young girls and women. Since its inception, we have mentored, trained, and supported hundreds of high-potential young women who are now making significant strides not only in South Africa but also globally, in cities like New York, Paris, and London.
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DreamGirls Academy, with its five branches across the country, has sparked a revolution, inspiring numerous corporations, government entities, and other NPOs to prioritize girls’ education metrics as outlined in the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
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I firmly believe in living a purpose-driven life and leaving a lasting legacy, but more about that later.
... to Entrepreneur ...
Over the course of my career, I have invested in and been involved in many different small businesses from education, to wellness, technology, to travel. I’ve experimented with different business models, learning invaluable lessons along the way. In December 2023, I took the courageous step to fully transition from my corporate career and dedicate myself entirely to following my passion and heart’s whispers.
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Entrepreneurship has become more than just a career path for me; it is a philosophy of life. It offers me the freedom to design my life according to my values and desires. My journey has been about creating the foundation and security that allows me to pursue my curiosity and passions unapologetically. I am deeply committed to supporting and guiding others to achieve the same. I firmly believe that we are here to create and live glorious, victorious lives, and I am unwavering in my pursuit of what ignites the heart and soul.
... to Coach, Mentor, Healer ...
As more people sought my guidance and insights about my journey, I realized that with my knowledge and experience, I can positively influence the lives of so many people. This insight led me to train as a personal life coach, business mentor and energy healer. Today, I empower both women and men to achieve aligned success and realize their dreams of personal and professional freedom.
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I believe that everyone is born to thrive in their own unique way. My guidance is bespoke and tailored to the distinctive gifts, talents, skills and desires of each client.
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I awaken and initiate visionaries into their next level zone of genius and higher purpose helping them unlock their full potential and live a life of fulfilment and impact.
... to Legacy Builder
I’ve been fortunate to receive an outstanding education, travel the world, work with top global companies, run multiple businesses, and share spaces with some of the world’s leading coaches and mentors. These experiences have profoundly expanded my worldview and shaped the way I am able to freely live my life today.
I also understand firsthand the challenges of overcoming difficult circumstances and environments. I know what it’s like to build oneself up from nothing, to rise from ground zero. Through intentional choices and perseverance, I have created a better life for myself. I’ve witnessed how access to the right information and applying it can completely transform someone’s life for the better, forever.
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This profound understanding drives my commitment to building and leaving a lasting legacy. Twenty percent of all my proceeds are channeled back into DreamGirls Academy and Ascension Academy, my two charitable foundations dedicated to equipping youth from disadvantaged areas with education, personal development, holistic healing, and wellness services.
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As I journey through life, I continually ask myself, “How can I use my privilege, experience, and gifts to create pathways of possibility for others?” The answers to this question guide my professional and personal efforts.
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I aspire for my impact and legacy to transcend barriers and bridge gender, racial, and religious divides, creating more opportunities for healing and empowerment for all.
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What will your legacy be?
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I am here for people living in their freedom and power. I follow a life path of empowerment, awakening, ascension, liberation and joy. With a lot of heart power and soul courage I activate people to follow what makes them come alive….abundantly so.
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I build freedom-based, soul-aligned businesses that help you to flourish and be nourished in every way.
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I’m here for time freedom, location freedom, financial freedom, lifestyle freedom.
WHAT I LIVE FOR
Freedom. Purpose. Abundance. Love. Growth.
INSPIRING AND GUIDING VISIONARIES INTO A FREE AND FULFILLED LIFE IS MY PASSION, THIS IS WHAT I LOVE
Devoted to life long path of empowerment, awakening, ascension, liberation and joy
Businesses that create positive impact, value and freedom in the world
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A relaxed, easeful, spacious life of flow