Manifesting Your Biggest Dreams with Malyia McNaughton
It’s July, and because of the July Fourth holiday, I always think about Financial Independence this month. For the past 15 years of my life, I have coached dozens of individuals to and through Financial Independence, and the biggest factor I see between people who are close to achieving it or have already achieved it is a belief or manifestation in something big. When I say something big, I want to clarify that “big” is a relative term, and it’s different for every single one of my clients, but if you are someone living in a scarcity mindset, you will have a difficult time getting to FI, and you may be your biggest roadblock to getting there.
This month, I am going to share three people’s stories with you that will blow your minds. All of them started probably similar to wherever you are now, and within 5-10 years, they have achieved some massive goals, and yes, you heard me right, 5-10 years. FI is not a goal to be achieved overnight, but it’s a goal that, with enough mindset and manifestation, can be accomplished sooner than later. Doesn’t it make sense to work hard for 5-10 years to have the next 20+ of freedom for yourself? I think so.
Joining me today is Malyia McNaughton, founder of Made by Malyia. Malyia has been on the show twice before, so if you want more of her backstory, I recommend you listen to those previous episodes, but spoiler alert: she has built a successful jewelry brand with no real experience and bootstrapped much of her journey. I have been a fan of Malyia since I saw her progression hoops on display in Financial Gym’s headquarters almost five years ago. Malyia joins me to share her story of not only survival but how she’s thriving despite all of the naysayers and challenges that have come her way.
What are we drinking?
Malyia – Ginger Tea
Shannon – Sparkling Water
Podcast Notes
Reflecting on the Journey
Reflecting on progress: Appearing on the show over the last few years and working with a Financial Trainer allows Malyia to reflect on the journey. She’s always focused on what’s next, and it’s nice to pause and reflect to reminisce about how things have unfolded.
Manifesting big goals: When you have big dreams and work towards them, you may end up in places better than you could have dreamed. One of Malyia’s first goals was to reach $100,000 in sales, and her Financial Trainer pushed her to reach for $1 million.
Seeking Support: Sometimes, we get in our own way, and having someone there to help stretch and challenge us can help us reach our greatest potential. Shannon started The Financial Gym to provide this support to everyone who needs it.
Be Fearless: Manifesting big goals or making a change can be scary. Be clear when you tell the universe what you want. Then, you have to be fearless and ready to face challenges head-on.
Facing hardships: Confronting challenges has been crucial throughout Malyia’s journey. Facing challenges helps you grow and become a better version of yourself.
Lessons Learned
Malyia’s future goals: Inspired by Elsa Peretti, her next big goal is to have a collection with a luxury house or become a creative director, which would mark a significant achievement in her career.
Impact: At this stage of her journey, Malyia feels like her work is bigger than just her. It’s now about her impact on others and inspiring their paths. Your hardships will be someone else’s survival guide.
Overcoming negativity: When you have any big goal, there will be naysayers. If it’s something you genuinely want, you have to rise above the noise and stay focused. If negativity will detract you from the big goal, it may not be the right goal for you.
Persistence: Shannon and Malyia agree that big goals take time. There will be bumps and challenges, but as long as you are patient and consistent, you can reach incredible heights.
Managing fear and expectations: Fear is natural, but do not let it dictate your actions. Walking away from a big dream can be tempting when you know things will be hard, but pushing through the challenges will only make you stronger.
Personal Growth & Resilience
Dealing with stress: Everyone needs a mechanism to decompress. Shannon finds solace in music, and Malyia loves nature and regularly goes for long walks.
Financial preparation: The best way to start your own business is to prepare financially ahead of time. Sometimes, you’re called to start something new before you're financially prepared, and that’s okay, too.
Internal challenges: Sometimes, the biggest naysayer is yourself, and staying aligned with your goals is important. Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from dreaming big. Sometimes, you’re meant for bigger than you ever imagined.
The Gym’s achievements: After a few years of hardship, The Financial Gym has reached an incredible milestone. Financial Gym Advisory Services manages $25 million of all sized portfolios.
Anniversary milestones: Shannon and Malyia wrap up by celebrating their 11-year business anniversaries. Running a business is like raising a child; they have both come a long way, with even more to come.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Takeaway: My biggest takeaway is the importance of ignoring naysayers on your journey to something big and most importantly preventing yourself from becoming the biggest naysayer in your head.
Random Three Questions
Where is the next big travel destination?
What is something you do when you’re stressed?
If this was your last meal on earth, what would it be?
Connect with Malyia
Website: https://madebymalyia.com/
Instagram: @madebymalyia
If you have any topics you would like me to cover on this podcast, or if you’d like to get in the financially naked hot seat, I encourage you to email me at Shannon@fingyms.com or join the private Martinis and Your Money Facebook Page, and let me know what you want to hear.
As many of you know, other than running this podcast, I’m the founder and CEO of The Financial Gym, and we are celebrating 10 years of this journey. Now more than ever, I see the importance of the work we do every single day. Rising inflation, the return on student loan debt, high-interest rates on loans and mortgages, and volatile stock markets make it a time where, now more than ever, you need a best financial friend to help you make the best choices along the way.
At Financial Gym, you get paired with a Certified Financial Trainer, who we call your BFF. Our team has coached clients through every financial season, whether they were living paycheck to paycheck or headed into Financial Independence and Retirement. As a reminder, we work with individuals, couples, or business owners.
The exciting news of 2024 is that Financial Gym now has a sister company, FG Advisory Services, available for people looking for more traditional financial advisory services like asset management delivered by a team that looks and behaves nothing like a traditional financial advisory services company. We literally have a solution for you, no matter where you’re starting from. So what are you waiting for? Head over to or send friends to financialgym.com to get started today. Our warm-up calls are free of cost and judgment, so you have nothing to lose.