Rising From The Ashes

EP 07: When Perfection Becomes a Prison — Finding Freedom in the Real with Tori Konuszewski

What if the thing keeping you from the life God has for you isn’t failure… but perfection? In this heartfelt episode of Rising From the Ashes, Amy Grace sits down with writer and creative, Tori Konuszewski, to talk about her powerful Substack post that begins with a line that stops you in your tracks: “When perfection becomes a prison.” Together, they unpack what happens when we chase flawless faith, perfect motherhood, and picture-perfect lives — and how God gently invites us into something better: real. Tori shares the story and the heart behind her words: “God wants more than perfect for you. He wants real. He wants the real you — the ‘I don’t know what I’m doing,’ coffee-fueled, overstimulated, underappreciated you.” Through the lens of grace, the wisdom of The Velveteen Rabbit, and the truth of the Gospel, Amy Grace and Tori explore how letting go of perfection can become an act of deep spiritual freedom. This conversation is for the woman who’s tired of performing and ready to be seen, known, and loved — just as she is. In this episode: * How perfectionism keeps us stuck and striving * Why “being real” is one of the holiest things we can do * The role of faith and grace in embracing imperfection * What freedom looks like when we stop chasing approval Listen in and exhale. This is your permission slip to stop performing and start becoming — the real, radiant you God designed from the beginning. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ski.family.farm/ [https://www.instagram.com/ski.family.farm/]  Substack: https://substack.com/inbox/post/176439677?r=6p0y9n&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&fbclid=IwY2xjawN3jFpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEePgd5RrXceSaTaSYR7nPCVlFWE31vo69R94gVl0EEHzCQTVNjj2Dvk6M-IeM_aem_hY5F9BVQ8_AijUJx_dHuuw&triedRedirect=true [https://substack.com/inbox/post/176439677?r=6p0y9n&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&fbclid=IwY2xjawN3jFpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEePgd5RrXceSaTaSYR7nPCVlFWE31vo69R94gVl0EEHzCQTVNjj2Dvk6M-IeM_aem_hY5F9BVQ8_AijUJx_dHuuw&triedRedirect=true] Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2308351/open_sms] To follow along: Instagram: @amygraceclark Website: www.amygraceclark.com

EP 06: The Energy of Home: How Design Shapes Our Wellbeing with Grace Porter

In this episode of Rising From the Ashes, I’m joined by interior designer Grace Porter — the creative heart behind @graceporter_designs [https://www.instagram.com/graceporter_designs/] and www.graceporterdesigns.com [https://www.graceporterdesigns.com]. Grace has a gift for creating spaces that are both timeless and deeply restorative — homes that breathe peace, balance, and intention into everyday life. Together, we talk about how our home environments shape our energy, why timeless design never goes out of style, and the simple changes that can turn your home into a true sanctuary for your soul.  In this conversation, you’ll hear: * How design impacts your stress, focus, and wellbeing * The heart behind Grace’s timeless design philosophy * Simple ways to create calm and flow in your home * Why peace should be the foundation of every space If you’ve ever felt that your home should do more than just look beautiful — that it should feel beautiful, too — this episode will inspire you to see your space with fresh eyes. Connect with Grace Porter: Instagram → @graceporter_designs [https://www.instagram.com/graceporter_designs/] Website → www.graceporterdesigns.com [https://www.graceporterdesigns.com] Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2308351/open_sms] To follow along: Instagram: @amygraceclark Website: www.amygraceclark.com

EP 05: For Such a Time as This

In this episode of Rising From the Ashes, Amy Grace dives into one of the most powerful stories of courage and divine purpose in Scripture — the story of Esther. From orphan to queen, Esther’s journey reminds us that God is always at work behind the scenes, even when He seems silent. Through faith and bravery, she risked everything to save her people — and in doing so, revealed the heart of God’s redemptive plan. Amy Grace unpacks three “sticky note” truths inspired by Esther’s story: • Take the risk — God’s grace meets us in the unknown. • Trust the timing — you were created for such a time as this. • Break the silence — your story could be the key to someone else’s healing. This conversation will encourage you to see God’s hand in your own story — in every heartbreak, every risk, and every moment that feels uncertain. Because even in the silence, He’s moving. Tune in and be reminded: your story matters, your courage matters, and you are right where you’re meant to be. Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2308351/open_sms] To follow along: Instagram: @amygraceclark Website: www.amygraceclark.com

EP 04: Hannah Rita on Making God the CEO of Your Business

What does it really look like to hand your business over to God? In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Hannah Rita—the heart and lens behind Hannah Rita Photography and The Elevated Elopement Experience. Hannah isn’t just capturing wedding days; she’s creating intentional, God-centered experiences that reflect each couple’s unique love story. But behind her breathtaking work is an even more powerful story: choosing to make God the CEO of her business. Hannah shares how surrendering control has transformed not only the way she serves her clients but also how she defines success, handles challenges, and dreams for the future. In this conversation, Hannah shares: ➡️ The moment she handed her business over to God. ➡️ What “God as CEO” looks like day-to-day. ➡️ How faith shapes the way she serves her clients. ➡️ Encouragement for Christian creatives learning to let go of control. Friend, if you’ve ever felt the pressure to do it all on your own—this episode will breathe fresh hope into your journey. Follow Hannah on Instagram @mrshannahrita & @elevated.elopement.experience Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2308351/open_sms] To follow along: Instagram: @amygraceclark Website: www.amygraceclark.com

EP 03: Layer by Layer: Maggie Eterno on Anxiety, Authenticity & Leading from Within

From panic attacks to powerhouse CEO, Maggie Eterno’s story isn’t about perfection—it’s about healing, authenticity, and leading from within. In this raw and honest conversation, she shares how counseling, motherhood, and messy growth shaped the way she leads her business and her life—layer by layer.  Connect with Maggie on Instagram: @maggieeterno If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs to hear it, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2308351/open_sms] To follow along: Instagram: @amygraceclark Website: www.amygraceclark.com