Hanna Olivas, a renowned author, speaker, and founder, has emerged as one of the most influential women of our time.
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, her path to success has been marked by resilience, determination, and a relentless commitment to making a difference in the world.
In her compelling chapter, “INFLUENCE FOR CHANGE,” Hanna shares her inspiring journey as a Multiple Myeloma warrior and how she has leveraged her influence for the greater good. Through her remarkable story, she sheds light on the true meaning of influence and the transformative power it holds.
For Hanna, being an influencer goes beyond social media metrics—it’s about using your platform to effect positive change in people’s lives. It’s about building meaningful connections and empowering others to rise up and become leaders in their own right.
At the heart of Hanna’s message is the importance of community and support. When faced with a life-altering diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma, she found solace in the unwavering support of others who had walked a similar path. Inspired by their resilience and strength, Hanna made a promise to herself to pay it forward and help others facing similar challenges.
Driven by her passion for making a difference, Hanna founded the Brave & Beautiful Blood Cancer Foundation—an organization dedicated to providing support and assistance to families affected by blood cancer.
Through this foundation, she has touched the lives of thousands of individuals, offering everything from emotional support to financial assistance. But Hanna’s mission didn’t stop there.
Recognizing the need for systemic change in the healthcare system, Hanna took her advocacy to the next level. She lobbied local legislators, raised awareness about the challenges faced by cancer patients, and spearheaded initiatives to improve access to care and resources.
In addition to her work in the healthcare sector, Hanna also co-founded She Rises Studios—a platform designed to empower women and elevate their voices. Through She Rises Studios, she has helped hundreds of women achieve financial independence by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed as entrepreneurs.
From podcasts to TV shows to best-selling books, She Rises Studios has become a beacon of hope for women around the world, offering them a platform to share their stories and inspire others.
Hanna’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that no obstacle is insurmountable when faced with determination, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Through her unwavering commitment to making a difference, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals and left an indelible mark on the world.
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Introduce us to who the two of you are.
Hanna: I’m Hanna Olivas, a mother, grandmother, wife, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and a woman who refuses to let life define me—I define it. I’m also someone living with multiple myeloma, a diagnosis that changed my entire existence but also fueled my purpose. I am the co-founder of She Rises Studios and FENIX TV, and everything I do is rooted in helping women rise, no matter what challenges they face.
Adriana: I’m Adriana Luna Carlos, co-founder of She Rises Studios and FENIX TV, and daughter to this incredible woman. I grew up watching my mom fight battles most people could never imagine, and through that, I learned what true resilience, strength, and purpose look like. Together, we’re on a mission to empower women globally to step into their power, no matter their circumstances.
Hanna, can you share your journey with multiple myeloma and how it has shaped your perspective on life and business?
Hanna: My multiple myeloma journey began when I was diagnosed in my early 40s, a time when I was supposed to be in the prime of my life. I went from running businesses and raising my family to fighting for my life overnight. The reality of being told you have an incurable cancer is like a punch to the gut—it forces you to confront your own mortality in a way most people never have to.
But instead of letting it destroy me, I made a choice—I would not just survive, I would thrive. I realized that if I was going to be given a timeline, I was going to make damn sure I used every second to create impact, leave a legacy, and show other women that they don’t have to be defined by their struggles. Multiple myeloma reshaped my perspective on everything. It taught me that time is our most valuable currency, that fear is just a state of mind, and that nothing—absolutely nothing—should stop you from chasing your dreams.
How has your health battle influenced the mission of She Rises Studios?
Hanna: She Rises Studios wasn’t just built as a business—it was built out of necessity. When I got my diagnosis, I realized how many women feel alone in their battles—whether it’s health struggles, financial hardships, abusive relationships, or just the daily fight of being a woman in this world. I didn’t want to just sit back and let life happen to me. I wanted to create something bigger than myself, something that would remind every woman that she has the power to rise, no matter how many times life knocks her down.
My health battle gave She Rises Studios its heartbeat. It’s why we focus on empowerment, education, and collaboration. It’s why we champion women who have been told “no” or “you can’t” and show them that, yes, they absolutely can.
What advice would you give to women facing life-threatening illnesses who still want to chase their dreams?
Hanna: Don’t wait. I think one of the biggest lies we tell ourselves is that we have time. We say, “I’ll do it next year,” “I’ll wait until things settle down,” or “I’m not ready yet.” The truth is, tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us—so why are we acting like it is?
If you have a dream, chase it with everything you have. If you’re battling a life-threatening illness, I won’t sugarcoat it—it’s hard. There are days when the pain, the fear, and the uncertainty will feel overwhelming. But there is also joy, purpose, and legacy. Even in the midst of your struggle, you can build something beautiful. Your illness doesn’t define you—your choices do. Choose to rise.
Adriana, how has working with your mother shaped your perspective on business and life? How has her fortitude made an impression on you?
Adriana: Watching my mom battle multiple myeloma while continuing to build businesses, mentor women, and raise a family has redefined what I believe is possible. She’s shown me that no excuse is valid when it comes to chasing your purpose.
She has days when her body is in pain, when she’s exhausted, when the weight of her diagnosis is unbearable—but she still shows up. She still pours into others. She still finds ways to make people laugh, to create, to build. That kind of strength changes you as a person. It makes you realize that anything is possible if you decide it is.
Business-wise, she’s taught me that impact matters more than anything. We don’t just build for profit—we build for purpose. That lesson will stay with me for the rest of my life.
What lessons about resilience, business, and leadership have you learned from each other?
Hanna: Adriana has taught me the power of adaptability. She’s part of a younger generation that sees things differently—she’s fearless when it comes to innovation, and she reminds me that growth requires constant evolution.
Adriana: My mom has taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about choosing joy even in the hardest moments. It’s about being kind when you have every reason not to be. It’s about leading with your heart, not just your head.
How do you balance your family dynamic with your professional roles?
Hanna: Balance is a myth. Some days, we’re amazing at it—other days, everything feels like chaos. The key is giving yourself grace.
Adriana: We’ve had to learn how to separate work from family. There are times when we’re strictly business partners, and then there are times when we shut it all down and just be mother and daughter. Communication is everything.
If you could leave women with one piece of advice about stepping into their power, what would it be?
Hanna: Stop waiting for permission. No one is going to hand you power—you have to take it. Your voice, your dreams, your ideas—they matter. The world needs what you have to offer, so stop playing small.
Adriana: Own who you are. Don’t shrink yourself to make others comfortable. Be loud. Be bold. Be exactly who you were meant to be.
Where can our readers go to support the two of you as well as She Rises Studios?
Hanna: You can find us at www.sherisesstudios.com and on all social media platforms @sherisesstudios. We also have our FENIX TV streaming platform, where we’re bringing powerful stories to life.
Adriana: Follow our journeys, support our books, watch our shows, and most importantly—get involved. She Rises Studios isn’t just about us—it’s about every woman who wants to step into her power. Let’s rise together.
Brooke Young, VIP Contributor to WellnessVoice and the host of this interview would like to thank Hanna and Adriana for taking the time to do this interview and share their knowledge and experience with our readers.
Disclaimer: The WellnessVoice Community welcomes voices from many spheres on our open platform. We publish pieces as written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team and must meet our guidelines prior to being published.
