Xelajú Mingus is a writer, mother, and truth-seeker whose work explores the alchemy of shattering and sacred repair. Her debut memoir, Mended with Gold, traces a journey through faith deconstruction, divorce, illness, and rebirth—with a voice that is both unflinching and luminous.

A lifelong educator and creative, she writes under a pen name that honors her ancestral roots and personal transformation. The name Xelajú (pronounced Shay-la-hoo), lovingly shortened to Xela, nods to the sacred Mayan highlands of Guatemala, while Mingus echoes the poetic Scottish pronunciation of her family name.

When she’s not writing, she’s wandering coastal paths, building bonfires with her children, or listening for the voice beneath the noise. She finds joy in traveling with her partner, immersing herself in cultures and landscapes that stretch her spirit, spark wonder, and remind her of who she is beyond the familiar. She’s often reading, reimagining, creating, or gathering her six children and bonus daughters—finding sacred rhythm in both solitude and connection.

She believes that love and kindness are transformative forces—able to heal deep wounds, bridge even the widest divides, and inspire true change. By living with compassion, she hopes to encourage others to lead with empathy in their everyday lives, creating a ripple effect of light, connection, and understanding in a world that needs it now more than ever.