Daily Inspiration: Meet Marie Lewis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Lewis. 

Hi Marie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Chicago Heights Illinois. I am the oldest of seven children, six girls, and one boy. I am also a mother to three beautiful girls. I have been living in the Grand Rapids area for over 14 years now. I love all people no matter their race or background. As a child, I always wanted to be able to help others. As early as nine years old, I remember wanting to be a pediatrician. However, I soon discovered that I was way too emotionally vested for that job. I don’t like seeing others hurting. 

One way I discovered I could still help others was to become a psychologist. I went to college and earned an associate degree in human services and later a bachelor’s degree in psychology. While earning my bachelor’s in psychology life coaching piqued my interest the most! At a later date, I had the opportunity to attend a conference for life coaches. 

That was a game-changer for me. From then on, I knew in my heart that being a life coach was a part of my purpose. After that conference, I begin researching the best life coaching training schools. I decided to enroll in the “Health Coach Institute” (HCI) and received a dual certification in life and health coaching. 

During my training at HCI, I spent time with my own coach finding value in the things I love. Learning about my true-life purpose and discovering what I love. Speaking my truth. Making changes. Building a joyful life. I continue every day learning how to walk in my truth. 

The name of my business, Oikodome is Greek and is defined as” (The act of) building up.” “To increase the potential of someone or something, to strengthen, to make more able, to build up”, as cited by (Kok, J., 2015 ‘The radicality of early Christian oikodome: A theology that edifies insiders and outsiders’, p. 3). 

I chose this name because my desire is to edify others, however, the English word edify looks boring, so I chose to use the geek word “Oikodome”. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, because I had to battle with myself to build the confidence to step out and walk in my purpose. My purpose is edifying and build others up, but first I had to build myself up. I began to build myself up by first trusting God’s promises and who He said I am in Christ. Secondly, working with my own personal coach. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a certified life and health coach. My specialty focuses on building, strengthening, and increasing my client’s potential. including but not limited to the areas of, health, life, career, money management, love/relationships. 

My goal is to encourage my clients by sharing knowledge, support, accountability, and implementing the right program that will edify and build boldness, confidence, and strength, from the inside out. 

What sets me apart is my deep desire to share with others what I have learned. To help build others up and uncover what they have been ignoring in their lives. I would like to show others how to move into the life of their choosing. Also, my love and commitment to my clients, my dual certification in life and health coaching, and my bachelor’s degree in psychology. 

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success for me is being a working coach. Changing other lives for the best, even if that means volunteering my services to help build others reach their goals. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.oikodome,net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Oikodome_lifecoaching/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oikodomecoaching

Image Credits
Jamie Lynn