Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Biviana Franco of Feel Beautiful Today Is Helping To Change Our…

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Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Biviana Franco of Feel Beautiful Today Is Helping To Change Our World

Be Flexible — Flexibility is crucial in the ever-changing landscape of nonprofit work. Being able to adapt to new circumstances and feedback has been vital for our success. One example is how we incorporated feedback from patients to improve our art programs, making them more engaging and supportive. This flexibility ensured that our programs continued to meet the needs of those we serve.

As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Biviana “Bivi” Franco.

Biviana “Bivi” Franco, a Colombian-born artist and advocate for art’s healing power, transitioned from fashion design studies to founding Feel Beautiful Today in Atlanta, Georgia. Recognizing the transformative potential of art, her programs have brought beauty to infusion rooms and cancer centers across Georgia since 2010, providing solace and encouragement to those battling illness. Amidst accolades, her greatest fulfillment arises from the love of her family and the transformative joy her art brings to those in need.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

My passion for art and design has been a lifelong journey, starting from my earliest memories of picking up a pencil and finding solace in colors to express myself. As I delved deeper into the world of art, I became fascinated by its symbolism and the historical context it provided, offering insights into different eras and cultures. Throughout my studies, I grappled with the question of what more art could achieve beyond mere creation, and the answer became clear when I began applying art to support others in the midst of health or mental battles. It’s been incredibly rewarding to witness the transformative power of art in helping individuals navigate challenging circumstances, and it reaffirms my belief in the profound impact creativity can have on social change and well-being.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?

Looking back on my 14 years leading Feel Beautiful Today and 20 years in the nonprofit sector, one thing remains constant: my commitment to not turning away from the needs I see around me. While I know I can’t fix everything, I believe in the collective power of individuals making a difference in their own way. One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had was realizing the importance of following your heart and not ignoring the things that break it. Through this journey, I’ve encountered remarkable people, witnessed moments of incredible hope and love, and deepened my understanding of the profound impact of art on society and health. None of this would have been possible without the support of countless individuals, including my family, friends, and dedicated volunteers. Together, we’ve been able to touch the lives of over 17,000 cancer patients since 2010, underscoring the significance of collaboration and unity in creating positive change.

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Reflecting on my early days, it’s difficult to recall a specific funny mistake, perhaps because I was so focused on maintaining high standards and attention to detail. However, one lesson that stands out is the importance of not taking myself too seriously. In striving for perfection, I realized that it’s okay to make mistakes and that laughter can be a powerful tool for growth. Embracing a lighter attitude helped me learn to navigate challenges with resilience and humility, ultimately leading to greater creativity and innovation in my work.

Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?

Feel Beautiful Today began with my passion and a simple idea: to support cancer patients during treatment, using art as my medium. Our focus has always been on providing positive, creative programs to redirect the thoughts of patients towards something uplifting and normalizing their experience. We’ve remained committed to excellence in every detail and supply, ensuring that our efforts convey the message that we genuinely care. Adapting to the changing landscape, particularly during and after the pandemic, we’ve embraced innovation, leveraging technology to reach more patients and staying abreast of the latest research to enhance our support methods. Our programs now include an online experience featuring tutorials, art history, art tips, and wellness resources, reaching numerous cancer centers. One of our recent initiatives, Butterflies of Hope, epitomizes our ethos of using art to create social impact; this project, inspired by the journey of a loved one, invites individuals to create origami butterflies, symbolizing hope and solidarity for those undergoing cancer treatment. By allowing our hearts to guide us and harnessing the strength that comes from support. We remain dedicated to investing in programs like Warrior Within and A Spotlight to Shine, which not only offer support for patients but also provide a positive avenue to redefine beauty and utilize space for expression. These spaces often serve as a positive outlet for the mental health of patients and frequently become a means for loved ones to forge connections and preserve beautiful memories.

Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?

There are so many moments in my heart from the past 14 years. One that stands out is the simple yet profound impact of helping calm a patient during their first chemo treatment. As they received our program and began to engage creatively, it allowed their mind to focus on something other than cancer. Another memorable moment is when our signature Box of Love gets into the hands of a cancer patient, whether it is to celebrate a win or to provide encouragement, knowing the community came together to create these gifts. Our initiatives, such as the Words of Hope book and Warrior Within exhibits, have also been instrumental in sharing messages of encouragement from cancer patients, offering hope and new perspectives to others undergoing treatment.

Recently, two experiences deeply moved me. A good friend, newly diagnosed with cancer, came to me for an open conversation. She shared her fears and hopes, finding inspiration in the stories she had seen on our social media. She realized that engaging in positive, creative projects could help her, especially on the hardest days, by winning the mental battle that accompanies any disease.

Another poignant moment was when my brother-in-law was diagnosed with leukemia. Just weeks before, he had visited our studio, interacting with volunteers and witnessing the power of community support. When his diagnosis came, he understood firsthand the strength that comes from people coming together to support someone on their cancer journey.

Perhaps the most personal and impactful experience was when my mom received her cancer diagnosis. Throughout her journey, we as a family utilized every tool of understanding and every program that could support her mental and physical healing. Our firsthand experience with these programs reinforced my belief in their power and the importance of providing such support to others.

Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?

Sitting in the director’s chair of a small nonprofit with a huge heart and many ideas, I believe there are three things the community, society, and politicians can do to help us address the root of the problem we are trying to solve. First, simplify processes to make it easier for small nonprofits to operate and access resources. Second, value new approaches and encourage innovative methods, as many nonprofits are born from personal, life-changing experiences and offer fresh perspectives. Finally, support not only large institutions but also smaller nonprofits, giving them the room to grow and potentially become giants in the future.

How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?

For me, leadership is defined through the lens of Jesus’ teachings. It is about passion, love, and a desire for change. As Jesus said, “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). Leadership means not wanting to live in a bubble, creating a team and a movement, looking beyond obstacles, and dreaming big without letting others change your perspective about what can be achieved. It involves respecting and serving alongside your volunteers while staying connected to the original inspiration and need that sparked your mission.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

  1. Persistence is Key — When I first started, I didn’t realize how crucial persistence would be. There were many times when doors were closed, and support seemed hard to find. However, by staying persistent and continuing to push forward, I was able to make significant strides. For instance, it took multiple attempts and proposals before we secured our first major grant, but that persistence paid off in the end.
  2. Be Open to Change — Initially, I thought I had to stick rigidly to my original plans. However, being open to change has allowed the organization to grow and adapt in ways I never imagined. For example, during the pandemic, we had to pivot from in-person programs to online formats. This change not only kept us operational but also expanded our reach to more patients than ever before.
  3. It Won’t Be Easy, But It Will Be Worth It — I wish someone had told me just how challenging this journey would be. There were moments of doubt and overwhelming obstacles. However, seeing the impact of our work on the lives of cancer patients made every challenge worth it. I vividly remember a patient telling me how our program helped her through her toughest chemo sessions, making all the hard work feel incredibly rewarding.
  4. Keep Trying — Early on, I underestimated the value of perseverance. There were numerous setbacks and failed attempts. But each failure taught me something valuable and brought me one step closer to success. For instance, our first attempt at a fundraising event didn’t go as planned, but the lessons learned from that experience helped us organize successful events in the future.
  5. Be Flexible — Flexibility is crucial in the ever-changing landscape of nonprofit work. Being able to adapt to new circumstances and feedback has been vital for our success. One example is how we incorporated feedback from patients to improve our art programs, making them more engaging and supportive. This flexibility ensured that our programs continued to meet the needs of those we serve.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

If I could inspire a movement, it would be centered around supporting the wellness and mental state of individuals going through life changes, particularly focusing on minorities, those with lower resources, and bridging cultural differences. Often, I see the impact of illness on mental and physical health, followed by economic challenges and cultural differences, exacerbating the struggles faced by these communities. This movement would prioritize providing tailored resources, culturally sensitive support networks, and tools for resilience to help people navigate these transitions with strength and grace, regardless of their background or circumstances. By concentrating on mental well-being within these marginalized groups, we can empower individuals to not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity, ultimately bringing positive transformation to countless lives and fostering greater equity and inclusivity in our society.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

One of my favorite life lesson quotes is, “Make sure you work on growing your faith, not so if you ever need it, but when life brings those breathless moments.” This advice was given to me by a close friend many years ago, and it has remained relevant throughout my life’s journey.

I’ve come to understand the wisdom in prioritizing my spiritual growth, not just for moments of crisis, but as a foundation for navigating life’s challenges with grace and resilience. By nurturing my faith, I find the strength to stay positive in the face of adversity, to accept that life is unpredictable, and to offer words of encouragement and support to those in need. My faith has become a source of comfort and guidance, allowing me to approach each day with hope and love, regardless of the circumstances.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂

If I could have a private breakfast or lunch with someone, it would undoubtedly be Melinda Gates. She’s not only a remarkable leader in philanthropy but also an inspiration to me personally. Melinda’s work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation spans across multiple areas of interest, including global health, education, and poverty alleviation. These are all causes that resonate deeply with me as the founder of Feel Beautiful Today.

I admire how Melinda’s dedication to improving the lives of others extends to initiatives that directly impact women’s empowerment, healthcare access, and education opportunities worldwide. Her commitment to making a positive difference in the world aligns perfectly with the mission of Feel Beautiful Today, which seeks to bring hope and encouragement to individuals facing cancer diagnoses through art and support programs. It’d be a humble opportunity to gain wisdom from someone who’s achieved so much.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

You can follow our work online through our website feelbeautifultoday.org. We also share updates and inspiration on our social media platforms. Find us on Instagram at feel_beautiful.today and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/feelbeautifultoday/. We’d love to connect with you and share our journey of bringing hope and encouragement through art and support programs.

This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!


Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Biviana Franco of Feel Beautiful Today Is Helping To Change Our… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.