Deeper Than Skin

Faith in the Unknown: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, and Community Healing

In this episode of Deeper Than Skin, I'm joined by Shelsea Sanchez — mother, entrepreneur, and heart-led space holder — for a conversation that touched my soul deeply. Shelsea shares her family's journey through a high-risk twin pregnancy, emergency surgery, premature birth, months in the NICU, and the ongoing path of caring for a child with complex medical needs. What unfolds is a story of faith in the unknown, listening to intuition, navigating grief, and discovering what becomes possible when community comes together. In this episode, we explore: * Motherhood as initiation and spiritual transformation * Grief as medicine and a teacher * Listening to the whispers before they become the storm * Wellness, energetics, and faith during medical trauma * Community healing, fundraising, and collective care This conversation is an offering — for parents, caregivers, and anyone walking through the unknown. You don't need to share the same story to feel its depth. If this episode touched you, please share it with someone you love. Connect with Shelsea Sanchez: * Follow Shelsea on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/shelseasanchez/] * Follow Commune & Bloom on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/communeandbloom/] * Visit Commue & Bloom website [https://www.communeandbloom.com] Connect with Elayne: * Elayne's Personal IG [https://www.instagram.com/illuminabyelayne/] * Follow Casa de Luz [https://www.instagram.com/_lacasadeluz/] * Website [http://lacasadeluz.co] Connect with Deeper Than Skin: * Follow Deeper Than Skin [https://www.instagram.com/deeperthanskin.podcast/] Email Us: info@lacasadeluz.co [email:info@lacasadeluz.co] The Deeper Than Skin podcast and all content shared by Elayne Mendoza are presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The content of this podcast, including discussions, stories, interviews, opinions, and any materials linked from this podcast or associated website, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, psychotherapy, coaching, or any other qualified professional care. The use of any information provided on this podcast is at the listener's own risk. Listeners should not disregard, delay, or avoid seeking professional medical or mental health advice because of information heard on this podcast. If you have or suspect that you may have a medical or mental health condition, please consult your physician, mental health provider, or another qualified healthcare professional promptly. Participation in this podcast does not establish a professional-client relationship of any kind between the listener and Elayne Mendoza. By listening to Deeper Than Skin, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Starting Without Expectations: The Raw Beginning of Deeper Than Skin

Welcome to the very first episode of Deeper Than Skin. My name is Elayne, and I'm your host. This podcast has been on my heart for years, but fear, resistance, and perfectionism held me back. Today, I show up exactly as I am — raw, imperfect, and ready. In this episode, I share: * The vulnerable backstory of how this podcast came to life * Why launching without expectations feels most nourishing * How to turn frustration and triggering moments into creative fuel * What Deeper Than Skin will explore: beauty, wellness, spirituality, entrepreneurship, and the deeper layers of life If you've ever hesitated to start something because you didn't feel ready — this one's for you. When you're done listening, I'd love to hear from you. Send me a message on Instagram and let me know what resonated, what sparked inspiration, or what creative project you're being called to start. This is just the beginning, and I'm so grateful you're here. Where to Connect with Me: * @illuminabyelayne [https://www.instagram.com/illuminabyelayne/] * @_lacasadeluz [https://www.instagram.com/_lacasadeluz/]