“At birth, we are like cartilage - soft, flexible tissue. By the same natural process by which cartilage becomes hard bone, the soft, tender heart of an innocent child can become hardened by the circumstances into which she is born.”

Iyanla Vanzant is an American inspirational speaker, lawyer, New Thought spiritual teacher, author, life coach, and television personality. She is best known for her books, her talk show Iyanla, and her appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show. From 2012 to 2021, she hosted OWN's Iyanla: Fix My Life. Her work is closely tied to personal growth, spirituality, and practical guidance for people trying to change their lives.