“Don’t let nothing stop your shine,” says Solliah Bryan. The Williamston woman, a wife and mother of two adult sons, hopes that sharing her personal story of empowerment will help others rise above their circumstances.

The Mount Vernon, N.Y., native, was a child victim of incest who struggled with her self-worth. Enrolling in psychology and nursing courses at Westchester Community College helped her heal. As an adult, she legally changed her first name to Solliah, which she says is an acronym for “She Only Looks Like It Ain’t Hurtin’.” She has written and self-published her autobiography and has shared her personal story with students throughout the Northeast and on television and radio shows. She plans to write a children’s book about how kids can protect themselves from molestation and about safety.

At age 50, she retired as Postmaster after 32 years with the United States Postal Service.

Solliah is currently battling ovarian cancer. ”A CT Scan is the only positive way to detect ovarian cancer, so if your stomach hurts, get that scan,” she says. She is currently writing a second book detailing her experiences. The message she wants to share: “You’re stronger than cancer; you’re stronger than chemo.”

Her hobbies include bowling, writing, painting and making others laugh.

— Jane Hudson

Here's more about Her: 

Words I live by:

Live each day as if it were your last, and when you love, love with an open heart.

My proudest accomplishment is:

Retiring at age 50 and inspiring others with my words.

My favorite smell is:

The island waters of the Bahamas.

The food I could eat everyday is:

Fresh fruits and salads.

My favorite place in the world is

Niagra Falls, Canada.

I can’t live without:

The love of my life, my two sons, and my Pomeranian, Alexus.

If I could do it all over again, I would:

Work a little less and spend more time with my family.

What I know now that I wish I had known when I was younger:

All things are possible if you believe.

One thing I’ve always wanted to do but never have:

Ride on a sailboat.

What’s always in my refrigerator:

Fruit juices.

I still can’t get the hang of:

The Rubik’s Cube.

My theme song should be:

“I’m Every Woman.”

What I wanted to be when I grew up:

A brain surgeon.

The best advice my mother ever gave me:

Listen twice as much as you speak.

What brings me joy:

When I make others laugh.