Claudette C. Polidoro

My life's journey has been full of ups and downs, and so many lessons learned, but so full of joy and blessings. I'm grateful for all that I've been through – the triumphs and struggles, the spoken and unspoken moments. My journey has shaped me in every way, molding me into the person I am today.

Growing up, I was told to hide my Syrian heritage and just claim my Italian roots. But I've learned to defy expectations and push beyond my limits. As a daughter, sister, niece, cousin, aunt, wife, daughter in law, sister in law, mother, and friend, I once let these roles define me. However, it wasn't until I faced my fears, overcame obstacles, and found my faith that I discovered my true purpose.

With a learning disability, I struggled to find my place. Yet, I found solace in art and sports, particularly softball. I worked hard to excel, earning a full scholarship to Bloomfield College. Softball taught me that I was more than my limitations, and I was determined to be known for my creativity and athleticism.

As I transitioned into graphic design and photography, I faced new challenges. A colleague's doubt once made me question my potential as a lead wedding photographer. But I used that criticism as fuel to drive my determination. I continued to work hard, and my passion for photography only grew stronger.

After starting a family and wanting to stay home to raise our children, Life's Sweet Things was created, and I got to do what I loved – capturing moments and creating lifelong memories for my clients. However, I still felt like something was missing, and I had more to give the world.

It wasn't until we made a life-changing move that I finally felt the grace of God in my life. I was struggling to find direction in my life and career, but God led me to a wonderful church family that has been a source of comfort and guidance. Through this church, I found a sense of purpose and community. I was blessed to become the church's website designer, which allowed me to use my skills to serve others.

As I continued to grow and learn, I took a course at Scranton University, which not only enhanced my skills but also led to a feature in the Time-Tribune. This experience further fueled my passion for photography and graphic design.

Now, with a clear vision and purpose, I'm expanding my passions to make a greater impact. While photography and graphic design will always be at the heart of my creativity, I'm excited to add mindset empowerment coaching to my business. This new chapter allows me to empower others, creating a safe space for growth and celebration.

The Who I Am... journey project is a key part of this vision, providing a platform for individuals to share their stories and leave a lasting legacy. With God guiding me, I'm confident that I can use my passions to make a positive difference in the world.

My Who I Am... journey isn't done yet. I feel like I'm finally on the right road, using all my God-given tools to create something extraordinary. I look forward to what's yet to come, and I'm excited to see the impact it will have on those around me. The best is yet to come, and I'm ready to take on the journey with faith, hope, and determination.

Read more of my Who I am... story..... click here