In this episode, I revisit my very first podcast appearance as a guest on Jill Davis’s The Storyteller’s Porch. Long before I had a logo, I was already living the message—through handmade pillowcases, purpose-driven teaching, and a deep commitment to honoring the journey. Listening back, it’s wild to hear pre-publisher Heather, unsure of what was ahead, yet already rooted in the values that now define the brand.

#36 When Girls Believe They Belong: A Conversation with Sarah Jakle
In this episode, I’m joined by social worker, policy advocate, and founder of DemocraShe, Sarah Jakle, for a conversation that feels both deeply grounding and powerfully activating. From her early work supporting unhoused communities and studying trauma, to navigating her own life-altering autoimmune diagnosis, Sarah shares the personal and professional experiences that led her to reimagine what leadership development could look like for young women. What began as a passion for advocacy evolved into a bold, necessary mission: equipping high school girls with both the practical skills and emotional resilience to step into civic spaces with confidence, compassion, and a deep sense of belonging. Through DemocraShe, Sarah is not just preparing girls to lead, she’s helping them believe they deserve to. Together, we explore what it means to nurture the nervous system, reclaim your voice, and create environments where young women are seen, heard, and truly valued.




