Testimonials
I’m so grateful to walk this journey with such amazing women & men. Your stories truly inspire me! 💖 I’d love to hear from you—please share your testimonial and let your voice be part of our circle of light.
“Carmen creates community, connection, and real transformation.”
“She brings love, peace, and light to everyone around her.”
“Our hearts are forever connected through the joy she shares.”
“I have known Carmen since 2002, and The Goddess Store & Studio was always a special place I visited whenever I was in Downtown Hollywood.
When I was searching for dance lessons for my 5-year-old autistic daughter, she was turned away everywhere because she is nonverbal and has difficulty following directions. Carmen, without hesitation, welcomed her.
She personally took on teaching my daughter—and continues to do so to this day. Even after the studio closed in 2017, Carmen has continued giving private lessons in our home.
Her dedication, patience, and love have meant everything to our family. Today, we consider her not just a teacher, but a dear friend.
Carmen is one of the most admirable and inspiring people I have ever known. She lives with compassion, kindness, and integrity, and brings peace, love, and light to everyone around her.” 🌺
— Ella Parent & Longtime Student (since 2002)
“I felt called to reach out and share how meaningful Carmen’s Open Mic sessions were to me during my time in South Florida.
I haven’t found anything comparable to what she created. It was a space where I felt free to expand, grow, and truly discover who I am and what I have to offer.
Through her poetry circle, I connected with my voice and realized my capacity for self-expression in a way I never had before.
I am deeply grateful for that experience and will always appreciate her.” 🌺
Akili - Poet & Artist
“Carmen is one of the most beautiful souls I know. I am so grateful for the love she shares so openly. She has been like a second mother to me; guiding me, believing in me, and helping me see my own potential.
Through her teachings, I am slowly becoming the woman I always knew I could be. I’m so excited to continue learning from her and to witness her dreams unfold.” 🌺
Inez Barlatier, Singer/Songwriter, Musician, Actor
“After discovering The Goddess Store, I met Carmen, who has become a true mother figure in my creative and spiritual journey, as well as a mentor in event production.
She is an inspiration to everyone she meets and a beautiful embodiment of community, wisdom, and the Spirit of the Goddess through all of her teachings and creations.” 🌺
Denis Cruz - Artist
“Thank you, Carmen, for your courage in sharing your wisdom and deep love for the Goddess.
Through your teachings, I’ve reconnected with the Divine Feminine in such a meaningful way.
I truly enjoy your classes—they are both inspiring and transformative.
From my heart, I invite every woman to experience this beautiful practice with you.” 🌺
Efrosini Polizogopoulos - Dance Artist, Yoga Instructor & Healer
“There are very few people who truly change lives for the better…
Carmen is one of them. What she created at The Goddess Store was something rare and special; something people never forget.
She brings heart, purpose, and transformation into everything she does.” ✨
Jerry Mintz - Goddess Store Landlord/Entrepreneur
“Carmen is a woman who reminds me of my mother, kind, gentle, free, and deeply understanding.
She opened her heart to me when I needed it most, and with her, I always feel safe.
There is a warmth about her, a beautiful energy that you can feel the moment you are near her.
She is an incredible woman—strong in spirit, yet soft in heart.” 🌺
Maria Prokofyeva - Dance Artist
“Carmen is a remarkable woman, a mother, teacher, and friend. I met her in 2003 at The Goddess Store & Studio, and she immediately encouraged me to create and express myself.
Through her support, I was able to sell my very first art pieces.
She taught me that femininity is a gift, something to be embraced, celebrated, and cherished. Her influence has stayed with me ever since.” 🌺 Stabrula Polizogopoulos - Artist
“Carmen, what you have done and continue to do for women is immeasurable. By empowering and guiding them to heal themselves, you uplift not only women, but men as well, calling all of us to rise into a more whole and conscious way of being.
My time at The Goddess Store & Studio was truly transformative. Witnessing the strength, vulnerability, and courage you nurtured in every woman and in the men who were brave enough to support them was an experience I will never forget.
It felt like an initiation of the highest order. I am forever in service to the Goddess because of what I experienced there.
And yes… where else could someone explore boxing, Kung Fu, and belly dance all in one space? Carmen created something truly unique where movement, heart, and spirit come together.
The hips don’t lie… and neither does the love and gratitude we all feel for you.” 🌺
Billy Sunday Mars - Tantric and Movement Arts Master
“Sister Carmen, you are truly divine—so kind, generous, and full of light.
You inspire me deeply and remind me how simple it can be to make a difference in someone’s life.
The way you shine light on others and truly see them is such a selfless and powerful gift.
Thank you for who you are and all that you give. I love you.” 🌺
Moses Love - Yoga Master, Owner of I Love Yoga Studio
“Carmen is an incredible dance teacher and has played a truly special role in my daughter Johanna’s life for over 15 years.
Johanna is a beautiful, intelligent young woman with autism. When she was very young, she heard belly dancing music while walking past The Goddess Store and was instantly drawn to it.
She walked inside, and that was the beginning of her dance and yoga journey with Carmen.
Carmen has been teaching Johanna multiple times a week since then. Dancing has become one of the greatest joys in Johanna’s life.
Through Carmen’s patient, kind, and loving guidance, Johanna has developed a deep connection to rhythm, movement, and self-expression.
Carmen has always encouraged her to express herself freely through dance and has supported her every step of the way.
Even during the pandemic, their lessons continued on Zoom, and it’s a testament to their strong bond that Johanna responds to Carmen with such joy and enthusiasm.
Johanna is nonverbal, but through dance, she has found her voice. Carmen helped make that possible.
I wholeheartedly recommend Carmen. Her dedication, compassion, and gift for teaching are truly life-changing.” 🌺
Ed Walsh - Parent & Musician
“I met Carmen many years ago when she had The Goddess Store & Studio, and from the moment I walked in, I knew I had found something special. It wasn’t just a place; it was a safe, sacred space where women could heal, grow, and become better versions of themselves. Carmen has a gift for creating community, connection, and transformation. She leads with kindness, patience, and love, and truly makes the world a better place. I will forever be grateful for her and everything she has given.” 💫 Maria Briones Artist & Wellness Coach
“We have shared so many beautiful, soulful memories together—moments where music and movement touched our spirits so deeply.
Our hearts are forever connected through that shared love and joy.
May your heart always be as full as the joy you have so generously given to so many of us.” 🌺
Zayna de Gaia - Yoga Artist, Owner of I love Yoga Studio
Eddie
“I only wish I had known Carmen sooner. She has had a profound impact on my life.
I came in feeling burned out and simply looking to reconnect through dance, music, and a more soulful way of living, but I never expected the transformation that followed.
Carmen’s warmth, passion, and nurturing spirit, combined with her incredible range of talents, truly touched my heart.
She has a beautiful way of guiding and empowering everyone to discover the Goddess within themselves.
I hope she continues to fulfill her dreams and inspire many more through her art, dance, and wisdom. She is truly a healer, a guide, and an extraordinary woman.” 🌺
Eddie - Student