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Mercedes Diane Griffin Forbes Airbnb Consultant
Welcome To

DG Speaks

Travel. Culture. Food. Freedom.


DG Speaks is where I share the stories, places, people, and ideas that help us live more fully. From cultural travel and food systems to women’s empowerment, language learning, and lifestyle design, this is a space for curious women who want more joy, more softness, and more freedom.

Here, we explore the world with heart, honesty, and a little bit of sparkle. Because life is too short to live quietly.
Meet Mercedes

Explore the stories….

Find travel guides, cultural reflections, food stories, lifestyle tools, and real conversations from a woman living out loud across the world.

  • Hanks Bagel Family

    Kelley Faris and Hank’s Bagels: Making Money and Building Joy

    Some Women Know a Business Opportunity When They See One There is a certain kind…

    Keep Reading Kelley Faris and Hank’s Bagels: Making Money and Building JoyContinue

  • Visiting Belém in Lisbon, Portugal, including Jerónimos Monastery and the historic Belém district.
    Culture · Travel

    Visiting Belém: Lisbon’s Historic Riverside Gem

    Visiting Belém was one of the highlights of my time in Lisbon. While many visitors…

    Keep Reading Visiting Belém: Lisbon’s Historic Riverside GemContinue

  • Mercedes at Hofbräuhaus in Munich Germany
    Culture · Travel

    Magical Munich: Unveiling the Bavarian Capital’s Rich History, Culture, and Cuisine

    Munich surprised me in that quiet, confident way some cities do. It does not have…

    Keep Reading Magical Munich: Unveiling the Bavarian Capital’s Rich History, Culture, and CuisineContinue

  • Culture

    Why I Am Letting Joy Be Useful

    Useful Joy offers a DG Speaks reflection on food, travel, culture, women, and living with attention.

    Keep Reading Why I Am Letting Joy Be UsefulContinue

  • Mercedes Diane Griffin Forbes visiting the Manifesting Marilyn exhibition at Genesis House in New York City.
    Culture · Travel

    Manifesting Marilyn at Genesis House NYC

    I walked into Genesis House in New York City expecting to learn more about Marilyn Monroe. I…

    Keep Reading Manifesting Marilyn at Genesis House NYCContinue

  • How to Handle Difficult Airbnb Guests Without Losing Your Cool - Mercedes Diane Griffin Forbes holding a humorous doormat while shopping, illustrating the importance of setting boundaries and handling difficult Airbnb guests.
    Business & Money · Travel

    Difficult Airbnb Guests: How to Stay Professional When Your Patience Is Tested

    I could not help but laugh when I saw this doormat. It says exactly what…

    Keep Reading Difficult Airbnb Guests: How to Stay Professional When Your Patience Is TestedContinue

  • how to start an Airbnb with a cozy guest bedroom ready for travelers
    Business & Money · Travel

    How to Start an Airbnb in 2026: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

    Starting an Airbnb in 2026 can feel exciting, scary, and a little overwhelming all at…

    Keep Reading How to Start an Airbnb in 2026: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step GuideContinue

Step Inside

Postcards From the Soul


My book, Postcards From the Soul: A Journey in Haiku, gathers quiet moments from years of travel, healing, and personal change.

Get Your Copy
  • Postcards from the Soul iPad by Mercedes Diane Griffin Forbes

The Power and Magic of Storytelling

I believe storytelling is a form of liberation.

When women speak their truth, shame loosens its grip. When women share their journeys, permission expands. When we listen to one another, we remember we are not alone.
DG Speaks is not about having all the answers. It is about asking better questions and being honest enough to sit with what comes up.

Why Women Stories Matter

Beyond the Writing

In addition to storytelling, I work with women, creatives, and purpose-driven brands through consulting and coaching.
I help people clarify their voice, shape their message, and build work that feels aligned rather than exhausting.

  • Messaging and brand clarity
  • Content strategy and storytelling guidance
  • Consulting and coaching for purpose-driven growth

Check out my Services catalog!

An Invitation

If you found your way here, trust that.

DG Speaks is for women navigating change, honoring growth, and learning to trust themselves again. You do not need to have everything figured out to belong here.
You just need to show up honestly.

Join The #LiveOutLoud Community

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  • Home
  • About
    • Affiliate Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
  • Meet Mercedes
  • Stories
    • Independent Film Reviews
    • Women Who Lead
  • Digital Products and Guides
  • Work with DG Speaks
  • Our Amazon Shop
  • Contact
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