From Foster Care to Finding Identity: Healing, Resilience & Rebuilding with Courtney Brooke

In this episode of In Heels with Keni Silva, Keni sits down with Courtney Brooke — speaker, designer, advocate, and co-founder of Barely Beige Studio — for a deeply personal conversation about trauma, identity, and what it takes to rebuild a life after the foster care system. After entering foster care at just three years old, Courtney spent a decade moving through more than 30 homes, orphanages, and unstable environments, separated from siblings and searching for a sense of belonging. Her story is one of survival, but more importantly, transformation. Today, Courtney channels her lived experience into creating intentional spaces rooted in healing, emotional safety, and connection. Through design, advocacy, and inner work, she has redefined what home truly means. In this conversation, Courtney opens up about childhood trauma, the long-term impact of instability, therapy, the Hoffman Process, and the journey of reclaiming identity after years of feeling unseen. She also shares how her work with One Hope United is helping create stronger systems of care for foster youth. This episode explores the realities of the foster care system, the emotional impact of growing up in foster care, and the resilience many foster youth develop while rebuilding identity, safety, and self-worth. Courtney also shares insight into foster care advocacy, trauma recovery, and creating stronger support systems for foster youth. ⭐ Loved This Episode?If this conversation moved you, challenged you, or gave you a new perspective:• Tap Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode• Leave a 5-star review — it helps this show reach more women who need these conversations• Share this episode with someone who needs permission to keep standing• Follow @KeniSilva_ and @InHeelswithKeniSilva on Instagram• Watch video clips and full episodes on @InHeelswithKeniSilva, Youtube, McCordlistTV, Roku • Learn more about Divorce As An Opportunity and Keni’s work at Kenisilva.com