Rewriting Narratives, Embracing Hope
Our Vision
We envision a world where people understand and honor their interconnectedness—making small but meaningful choices that ripple outward to nurture the earth, celebrate humanity’s diversity, and sustain future generations.
Our Mission
To inspire a deeper understanding of interconnectedness—through mindful living and intentional actions that create ripples of change for ourselves, each other, and the planet. By offering tools like engaging videos, reflective journals, and courses, we aim to guide individuals and communities toward mindful living and collective care.
Our Story
True Connection began with a simple but profound belief: life is connection. Every choice we make, every interaction we have, is part of an intricate web that binds us—to nature, to each other, to the cosmos, and to ourselves. Recognizing and nurturing these bonds is the first step toward living with greater purpose, balance, and harmony.
Founded by Nadine Nicole and Tenley Hardin, True Connection first made its mark by bringing social-emotional learning (SEL) tools to schools, communities, and even law enforcement. From working with LAPD junior cadet officers to supporting students across the U.S., we’ve witnessed the power of self-awareness, emotional resilience, and empathy to transform lives and strengthen communities.
As the world has evolved, so has True Connection. Today, we focus on six pillars of interconnectedness: Nature, Ancient Civilizations, The Cosmos, Cultures, Climate Action, and Mindful Living. Through these pathways, we aim to empower individuals and communities to make intentional choices that rebuild balance and create ripples of meaningful change.
Meet Our Co-Founders
I’m Nadine Nicole, an actor most recognized for my role as Clarissa Mao on Amazon Prime’s The Expanse. My journey to True Connection began with my own healing from PTSD and panic disorder through practices like mindfulness, yoga, and trauma-informed care. These experiences profoundly shaped my understanding of human emotions, behaviors, and relationships—a depth I bring to every character I portray.
Beyond acting, I’ve pursued meaningful ventures like Yari Designs, my fine jewelry brand celebrating diversity, and Shared Elegance, a sustainable fashion initiative focused on circular economy models. I also serve as an Advisor to Space For Humanity, supporting transformative space experiences for purpose-driven leaders to inspire global solutions.
My latest project, Resilient By Design, explores sustainable living, emotional resilience, and mindful choices. Through articles sharing my personal journey and insights on minimalism and empowerment, I hope to inspire others to live with purpose and compassion.
True Connection embodies my belief that when we honor the bonds that sustain life, we unlock the power to heal ourselves and the world.
I’m Tenley Hardin, an Associate Therapist (#130074) and educator with a lifelong passion for exploring and nurturing human potential. My journey began in theater, studying human interactions as a major at the University of Michigan. This curiosity led me through multiple fields—earning advanced degrees in Teaching and English from Belmont University and dedicating 17 years to education, where I created and led a social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum for high school students, encouraging them to explore their inner worlds and emotional intelligence.
After years of teaching, I transitioned into life coaching and later earned a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Currently, I specialize in holistic therapies like Somatic Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Psychodynamic Therapy under the mentorship of Dr. Courtnay Meletta, a leading integrative psychotherapist. My approach integrates mind, body, and spirit—helping clients connect deeply with their bodies and nervous systems to address and release trauma, leading to genuine, lasting change.
True Connection reflects my commitment to creating tools and resources that empower individuals to live with clarity and intention. Partnering with Nadine has been transformative—a shared mission to inspire connection and meaningful action for individuals and communities alike.
“The journey of self-discovery reveals our connection to each other, the planet, and the science that shapes our understanding of the universe.”
A Shared Vision
Nadine and Tenley founded True Connection to address one fundamental truth: everything is connected. From their work with students and communities to global initiatives in Sierra Leone and Honduras, they’ve witnessed the power of self-awareness and intentional action to transform lives.
True Connection continues to grow as a platform for offering knowledge, tools, and inspiration for people ready to create ripples of meaningful change. Together, we can shape a future rooted in balance, resilience, and hope.
