Alone at 14: How a Life-Changing Experience Ignited My Drive to Succeed
In life, it’s often the unexpected experiences that have the most profound impact.
Growing up as one of eight children and eventually discovering that I had five more siblings later in life, I had to learn self-sufficiency from a young age. However, it was during the summer after eighth grade that I truly discovered the extent of my independence. My mother went on what was supposed to be a brief trip, leaving me on my own. But the trip was unexpectedly extended, leaving me to fend for myself for two and a half months. This experience taught me the importance of self-reliance and taking full responsibility for my life. I credit that experience with igniting a fierce drive inside me.
Looking back, living alone at 14 years old was a blessing. It made me realize how unshakeable and strong I am, with an unwavering desire to succeed. That summer taught me that if I wanted more out of life, I would be the only one responsible for making that happen. I’m grateful for that experience, as it helped me develop the passion and dedication that shows up in my business today.
As a teenager in 1996, I began my journey in the beauty industry, working at The Hair Game, a small hair salon in Manchester, NH. In 2016, I achieved my dream of opening my own salon, The Studio on Elm, in downtown Manchester. The Studio grew quickly and became an overnight success. However, despite this accomplishment, I still felt unfulfilled. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit and forced me to close my salon that I had the chance to reflect on what truly made me happy. I discovered that what I enjoyed most about running the salon was building my team and helping others grow. This realization became a turning point for me, and I decided to pivot my career and become a business strategist. In pursuit of this new passion, my family and I spontaneously moved from New Hampshire to Los Angeles in search of new opportunities that better aligned with my strengths in guiding others to succeed.
As a strategist, I work with entrepreneurs to help them tap into their businesses and see things in a new light. I bring a unique ability to connect media, marketing/SEO, and mindset in a way that creates clarity and momentum for my client’s businesses. With my guidance, my clients learn how to leverage their strengths, build their brands, and develop effective strategies that help them succeed.
What sets me apart is my practical and honest approach to working with clients. I have experience running a successful business, so I understand entrepreneurs' challenges. Unlike many business coaches, I won’t make unrealistic promises or offer cookie-cutter solutions. Instead, I collaborate with my clients to develop customized strategies for their unique needs and goals.
Reflecting on my journey from living alone at 14 years old to becoming a business strategist, I see how each experience has shaped me into the person I am today. That summer of eighth grade taught me the importance of self-reliance and taking responsibility for my own life. Working in the salon and then owning my own business taught me about leadership, management, and the importance of building a strong team. And ultimately, the pandemic forced me to reevaluate my path and led me to discover my passion for helping others succeed.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little better. I hope my story inspires you to take action and pursue your dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem. Remember, anything is possible if you have the drive, determination, and willingness to take risks.
