“I Had to Cut the Perfectionism”—How Averi Drummer Found Power in Her Own Voice Found Power in Her Own Voice
Sienna Avery Feruzi didn’t wait for permission.
A Christian, womanist author, educator, and advocate, she’s on a mission to amplify the voices of ethnic women and families with special needs—because it’s the life she’s lived. As the oldest of four neurodivergent siblings and the sister of a brother with Down syndrome, she grew up navigating difference and dignity from day one.
But it took time to realize that lived experience was enough. That she didn’t need more degrees, titles, or accolades to make an impact. That the tie she had to cut wasn’t to a job or a relationship—but to perfectionism.
“I had to cut the tie with the idea that I needed more qualifications. I had enough—I just needed to start.”
Becoming Her Own Example
Sienna’s life is woven with activism and advocacy. From Spelman College—a historic HBCU that helped her reclaim identity and pride—to her current role as a full-time teacher’s assistant, she’s always been drawn to education and justice.
But inside, she knew she wanted more.
She wanted to write. Coach. Build. Create.
The question wasn’t “Should I?”—it was “Am I allowed to?”
Like many women of color navigating professional spaces, she found herself doubting her authority. Thinking she needed to earn her voice through years of work and institutional approval.
Until she stopped.
She started writing. Started coaching. Started sharing. And started calling herself what she already was:
An artist. A leader. A creator.
Trading “Ready” for Real
What held Sienna back wasn’t a lack of skill. It was a fear of imperfection.
She thought she had to wait until her website was polished, her resume perfect, her brand airtight. But the more she listened to entrepreneurial voices she admired—Amoya Shanti, Ashley Shepherd, Portia Mystique Steele—the more she realized: the path forward isn’t pristine.
It’s messy. Iterative. Real.
“They all kept saying—you don’t need to have it all figured out. Just take the step. That’s what I’m doing.”
She started a podcast. Launched a coaching offer. Wrote poetry and shared it. And every time she did, her confidence grew.
Not because the work was flawless.
But because it was hers.
The Impact of Cutting the Tie
Since letting go of perfectionism, everything has changed.
She’s reaching out more. Building a network. Offering coaching sessions. Finding clarity in her mission. And becoming a role model for her siblings, cousins, and students—not just in what she says, but how she lives.
“It’s made me more confident. More present. I’m starting to believe that what I have to offer is enough—and that’s powerful.”
She’s still teaching during the day. Still growing her writing career at night. But now, there’s movement. There’s vision. And there’s proof that consistency compounds.
Creating the Future—Her Way
Ask Sienna what she’s building, and you won’t get a one-word answer.
She’s writing a novel that blends sci-fi with race, reparations, and family tension. She’s working on a poetry collection. She’s launching the Bag Lady Financial Wellness Book Series to help other women break through limiting beliefs around money. She’s even joined an affiliate program with Amoya Shanti to share resources with women ready to shift their mindset and finances.
But above all, she’s creating freedom.
“I want to work on my own terms. I want time freedom. Creative freedom. Financial freedom. That’s what this is all leading to.”
It’s not about chasing clout. It’s about building something rooted in truth, experience, and service—and letting that be enough.
Her Message to Anyone Listening
If you’re a woman of color sitting on an idea…
If you’re neurodivergent and wondering if your voice matters…
If you’re a creative caught in cycles of perfectionism and overthinking…
Sienna’s message is simple:
“Don’t wait. Ask the questions. Reach out to the people you admire. Get on the Zoom call. Send the DM. Just start.”
She’s not just building a brand. She’s breaking a cycle.
And she’s doing it with heart, clarity, and faith.
Shameless Plug
Sienna Avery Feruzi is an author, book creation coach, and founder of Feruzi LLC. She specializes in helping ethnic women and organizations turn their lived experience, personal history, or unique perspective into professionally crafted books that boost revenue and reach.
📚 Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a nonprofit leader, or an educator, Sienna helps you write, refine, and prepare your first book for publishing—with compassion, cultural competence, and strategic guidance.
✅ Her coaching helps clients:
- Improve writing for resumes, branding, and storytelling
- Launch their first book or poetry collection
- Increase sales and revenue by over 30% through creative output
🖥️ Learn more and book a free 25-minute coaching call: https://siennavferuzi.gumroad.com/
📧 Connect via email: averidrummer@gmail.com
📱 TikTok: @wealthmagnetssecrets
📷 Instagram: @sienna.writes.wrongs
📘 Facebook: FeruziLLC
Collaborators welcome—especially nonprofits and orgs supporting ethnic women and families with special needs.
🎙️ Want more real founder stories like this one?
Follow host Thomas Helfrich at Cut The Tie Apple Podcast, Cut The Tie Spotify, or connect on LinkedIn.