My journey has been anything but a straight shot. In fact, it has been a rollercoaster filled with twists and turns, sometimes taking me uphill only to plunge me back down again.
I grew up in Hamburg, New York, a quiet suburb of Buffalo. Middle-income household, private school education, and a good family foundation. On paper, it might seem like I had it all figured out early on, but privilege doesn’t shield you from life’s curveballs or the challenge of discovering who you are.
At 18, I moved away from my hometown for the first time, eager to see what the world had to offer. By 25, I left again, but this time, it was for good. I was armed with a Master’s degree in Journalism from Emerson College in Boston, which felt like a golden ticket. But if there’s one thing life loves to do, it’s humble you. Reality hit hard after graduation. Journalism jobs were scarce in 2009, but bills? They were always right on time. I found myself scrambling to keep the lights on and food in the fridge. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was real.
I’ve worn a lot of hats over the years. I’ve waited tables more times than I can count, poured drinks as a bartender, managed restaurants, and worked my way up through roles like marketing specialist and desk editor. I’ve been a marketing director and, today, I own and operate a small advertising agency in South Florida. If you’re picturing a clean upward trajectory, let me stop you right there. That’s not how it happened.
What I’ve Learned About Setbacks
Setbacks aren’t just part of the journey; they are the journey. There were moments that made me question everything… my choices, my abilities, even my worth. But over time, I learned something important. Setbacks aren’t the end of the road. They’re more like speed bumps. Annoying, sure, but they’re there to slow you down just enough to make you think, learn, and adapt.
Working in restaurants, for instance, taught me invaluable skills. Waiting tables wasn’t just about taking orders. It was about thinking on my feet, solving problems, and managing people’s expectations all while carrying a tray of hot plates. Bartending? That was a masterclass in reading people, connecting with strangers, and staying grounded in chaotic environments. Each role, no matter how “temporary” it felt at the time, shaped me. Those experiences built the foundation of who I am today; an entrepreneur who understands that hard work isn’t just a means to an end but a teacher.
Redefining Success
When I was 25, success had a very specific look to it. It meant landing a prestigious job, climbing the corporate ladder, and, let’s be honest, impressing people. By 30, my definition had shifted. At that point, success looked more like paying rent on time and having enough left over to grab a drink with friends. Today, at 42, success has evolved yet again.
For me, success isn’t tied to titles, bank accounts, or accolades. It’s about:
- Grit: Having the resilience to keep pushing forward, even when the odds feel impossible.
- Growth: Taking failures and turning them into lessons. There’s no such thing as wasted effort if you’re learning along the way.
- Authenticity: Building a life and a career that reflect who you are and what you value.
These days, success is owning a business that aligns with my values. It’s supporting my family, having the freedom to create, and waking up each day knowing that I’m building something meaningful. That might not be everyone’s definition of success, but it’s mine, and that’s enough.
What You Can Learn From My Journey
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this, it’s that your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your life to another’s highlight reel. Trust me, I’ve been there. But the truth is, your journey is yours alone, and that’s what makes it powerful.
Here are a few things I’ve learned that might help you on your own path:
- Your path is your own. Stop comparing. No two journeys are alike, and that’s the beauty of it.
- Every job has value. That “temporary” gig might just teach you skills that will change your life. Embrace it.
- Struggles build strength. It’s in the tough moments that you grow the most. Don’t shy away from them.
If you’re in the middle of a setback right now, know this. You’re not stuck; you’re learning. Every twist and turn is shaping you into someone who can handle the success waiting on the other side. It might not feel like it in the moment, but the road is worth it.
So keep going. Rewrite your definition of success if you have to. And remember, the journey doesn’t have to be smooth to be meaningful.
Success isn’t a destination. It’s a constantly evolving adventure. The question is, how will you define yours?
