Since this is the very first episode, I wanted to kick things off by sharing a bit about my story—how I got to where I am today and why I'm so passionate about helping people thrive in both life and business. This isn’t just another “look at my successes” story; it’s about the messy journey, the pivots, and the unexpected lessons I’ve learned along the way, including the biggest game-changer of them all: quitting alcohol.
From Law School Breakdown to Corporate Burnout
If you’re like me, you’ve probably always identified as a high achiever—someone who thrives on accomplishments and is driven by success. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be the best at everything I did. I excelled in school, which led me to attend a business school in Dallas on a scholarship, where I graduated with honors. But despite my success, I didn’t feel like I fit into the CEO world I’d always dreamed of.
After struggling to find a job in a weak economy, I pivoted to law school. The idea of being a lawyer appealed to my love for analysis and arguing both sides of an issue. But that fantasy quickly fizzled out. During my first semester, I found myself crying on the bathroom floor during one of my classes. That’s when I realized law wasn’t the right fit for me—but, of course, I wasn’t a quitter. I pushed through and earned my law degree, even though it felt wrong from the start.
I dabbled in different areas of law, eventually working in domestic violence advocacy, which, while meaningful, was too heavy for me to handle emotionally. It was draining and painful, and I carried the trauma of my clients’ stories home with me. So, I left that field, seeking something else.
Next up? A big four accounting firm. I did well—promoted within the first six months and earning good money. But guess what? The burnout hit me like a truck, and I ended up hospitalized for it. My body was literally screaming at me that this path wasn’t for me, but I wasn’t listening.
Libraries, Politics, and Another Pivot
After recovering, I decided to take a step back and ask myself, “What do I actually love?” Well, I’ve always had a thing for libraries (yes, I’m that person with stacks of library books all over the house). I loved the idea of freedom of information and access to knowledge, so I pivoted into public libraries.
In five years, I was promoted five times, landing a role as the collections manager at a mid-size library. I negotiated contracts, managed budgets, and crushed every task that came my way. But something was still missing. While I loved the work, I hated the bureaucracy and politics that stifled the change I wanted to create. I felt trapped, and yet again, I found myself needing a way out.
Drinking: The Slow Creep of Dependency
Through all of this, I developed a habit that seemed innocent at first—drinking. Like a lot of people, I had a glass of wine after work to blow off steam, especially during stressful times. It never felt like a “problem.” I wasn’t getting arrested or missing work; in fact, I was getting promoted and thriving in my career. But despite all of that, I couldn’t stop drinking. I tried to cut back, especially during those January “dry months,” but I never made it the full 31 days without giving in. That’s when I realized alcohol had more control over me than I was comfortable with.
I hated the idea that something had power over me. I’m fiercely independent (yes, I’m that person who grabs the IKEA tools and says, “I’ve got this!”), and the fact that alcohol was in charge didn’t sit well with my control-freak nature. But I also wasn’t ready to accept that I was an “alcoholic” or that AA or rehab were my only options. Something about both those routes felt wrong for me.
The Moment I Changed Everything
And then, through the magic of meta ads (seriously!), I found an alcohol-free coaching program. I remember crying as I entered my credit card info because it was the biggest investment I’d ever made in myself. I didn’t know if it would work, but I took the leap. And you know what? It changed my life.
I entered the program thinking I’d just “cut back” and find balance. I never intended to quit forever. But the coaching opened my eyes to the lies I’d been telling myself about alcohol. I thought it made me happy, but I was miserable. I thought it relieved my stress, but I was drowning in anxiety. Once I saw that alcohol wasn’t doing any of the things I thought it was, I knew I had to let it go—for good.
Quitting Alcohol: The Catalyst for My New Life
Quitting alcohol was the best decision I ever made. It didn’t just change my personal life; it opened the door for me to start my own business. Suddenly, I wasn’t just surviving anymore—I was thriving. I had clarity, energy, and the confidence to take on challenges I never thought I could handle. In fact, I credit quitting alcohol for giving me the courage to leave my stable library job and launch my company.
Funny thing is, I didn’t see myself as creative enough to build something from scratch. I always thought I’d step into a role someone else had created. But once I quit drinking, I realized I was capable of so much more than I’d ever imagined.
Shifting from Alcohol Coaching to Business Coaching
At first, my business focused on alcohol-free coaching for women who wanted to change their relationship with alcohol. I still offer that, but as I dove deeper into the world of entrepreneurship, I found myself obsessively learning about marketing, brand development, and business strategies. I realized what I was truly passionate about: helping small business owners figure out the strategies that work for them.
I’m all about real-life, tactical strategies. I don’t have time for fluff or woo-woo nonsense like manifesting success. I want the concrete steps that lead to results, and that’s what I give my clients.
The Takeaway
So, that’s my story. If you take anything away from this, let it be this:
If you’re struggling with alcohol, it’s not you—it’s the damn drug. There are other ways to get help besides AA or rehab.
It’s okay to grow and evolve. I’ve pivoted my career more times than I can count, and I’m still figuring it out. Don’t settle for a life that’s less than what you truly want.
If you’re ready to stop settling and want the exact steps to create a life you love, you’re in the right place. Stick around for future episodes of Thrivers Ed, where I’ll be sharing more tactical strategies to help you thrive in both business and life.