A powerful conversation about trauma, foster care, identity, and healing childhood trauma. In this episode of In Heels with Keni Silva, Courtney Brooke shares her journey from growing up in the foster care system to rebuilding her life through design, advocacy, and emotional healing. Together, they discuss resilience, childhood trauma, therapy, self-discovery, and how creating safe spaces can support personal transformation. Featuring insights on foster youth, healing after adversity, and finding purpose after pain.
In this episode of In Heels with Keni Silva, Keni sits down with Courtney Brooke — speaker, designer, advocate, and co-founder of Barely Beige Studio — for a deeply personal conversation about trauma, identity, and what it takes to rebuild a life after the foster care system.
After entering foster care at just three years old, Courtney spent a decade moving through more than 30 homes, orphanages, and unstable environments, separated from siblings and searching for a sense of belonging. Her story is one of survival, but more importantly, transformation.
Today, Courtney channels her lived experience into creating intentional spaces rooted in healing, emotional safety, and connection. Through design, advocacy, and inner work, she has redefined what home truly means.
In this conversation, Courtney opens up about childhood trauma, the long-term impact of instability, therapy, the Hoffman Process, and the journey of reclaiming identity after years of feeling unseen. She also shares how her work with One Hope United is helping create stronger systems of care for foster youth.
This episode explores the realities of the foster care system, the emotional impact of growing up in foster care, and the resilience many foster youth develop while rebuilding identity, safety, and self-worth. Courtney also shares insight into foster care advocacy, trauma recovery, and creating stronger support systems for foster youth.