When Sierra James left her corporate job at 27 with nothing but a journal, a whisper of self-doubt, and a fierce desire to find herself, she had no idea that her search for purpose would blossom into a space that would help hundreds of other women find their voices, too.
That space became Root & Rise—a creative mentorship platform born not out of a business plan, but out of heartbreak, healing, and the radical act of slowing down to listen to the soul.
“I didn’t set out to start a movement,” Sierra says. “I just knew I couldn’t be the only one feeling lost in the noise—and craving something real.”
Today, Root & Rise is more than a brand. It’s a beacon for young women navigating the confusing, beautiful terrain between breakdown and breakthrough.
Rooted in Realness: What “Root & Rise” Really Means
The name came to Sierra in a moment of stillness during a nature walk.
“I kept hearing this phrase in my head: ‘You can’t rise until you root.’ I realized how often we try to ascend—chase success, happiness, validation—without ever grounding into who we truly are.”
Root & Rise became her metaphor—and her mission:
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Root: Return to your core values, your voice, your truth.
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Rise: Emerge with intention, courage, and clarity.
The Power of Writing Circles: Healing in Community
At the heart of Root & Rise are Sierra’s writing circles—safe, supportive spaces where women gather (virtually and in-person) to write, reflect, and connect.
These aren’t traditional writing workshops. There’s no critique, no pressure to perform—just prompts, presence, and permission to be vulnerable.
Each circle begins with grounding breathwork or a short meditation, followed by themed journaling prompts like:
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“What parts of myself am I hiding to feel accepted?”
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“If fear wasn’t driving, where would I go next?”
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“What does freedom look like in my life today?”
Participants write in silence, then, if they choose, share what they’ve discovered.
“In these circles,” Sierra explains, “women cry. They laugh. They remember their power. And they realize they’re not alone.”
The value of these writing circles is more than emotional—it’s transformational. Research shows expressive writing can:
But the deepest impact, Sierra says, is the belonging it creates.
Journaling as a Tool for Self-Discovery
For Sierra and her community, journaling isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifeline.
She teaches that journaling is a portal back to the self: a sacred, judgment-free zone where thoughts untangle and truth can emerge without fear.
In her 21-day “Uncover & Begin” journal challenge, Sierra guides participants through daily reflections that touch on identity, grief, joy, fear, boundaries, and dreams. Thousands have downloaded the free resource. Many have said it changed the trajectory of their lives.
“Before I started journaling with Sierra, I didn’t even know what I wanted,” says Mari, 25. “Now I have clarity, boundaries, and a deeper sense of who I am. It’s been life-changing.”
Lives Touched by Root & Rise
✨ Jasmin, 24 – Quit a high-stress job in tech after attending three writing circles. Now runs her own holistic design studio.
“Sierra helped me see that I wasn’t broken—I was just unaligned.”
✨ Lena, 28 – Left an emotionally abusive relationship and began blogging about her healing journey.
“Writing gave me back my voice. Sharing it gave me back my power.”
✨ Mei, 22 – A first-generation college student who struggled with anxiety and imposter syndrome.
“Root & Rise gave me a place to speak the truths I was too afraid to say out loud.”
Where Root & Rise is Growing
Today, Sierra is expanding Root & Rise in bold new directions:
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Launching an online membership community with monthly circles, themed journaling courses, and guest mentors
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Publishing her first book, The In-Between is Sacred, part memoir, part workbook, part love letter to lost girls finding their way
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Hosting intimate retreats focused on creative restoration, identity, and personal storytelling
And through it all, she keeps one thing central: the power of writing to reconnect us to ourselves.
“We don’t write to be impressive,” she says. “We write to be honest. And when we’re honest, we heal.”
You Are the Author Now
Sierra’s story reminds us that we don’t have to wait until we’re ‘ready,’ healed, or confident to start again.
Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is sit down with a blank page and begin.
Because in that act, you declare:
I am the author of my life. I choose what comes next.
So wherever you are—in your 20s or beyond—know this: there is no shame in the messy middle. There is only truth, and beauty, and the quiet, brave choice to root… and then rise.
Note: this story is fictional and does not reflect any one individual. The author has taken libery in writing the story based on hudreds of interviews with women in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s she has conducted over the years.