The Journey

From Tennessee River Bluffs to Massage Therapy Advocacy: My Journey of Reinvention

Life has a way of unfolding in unexpected, often transformative ways. My story begins in the rolling countryside of West Tennessee, where I grew up surrounded by open fields, humble neighbors, and the simplicity of rural life. Though my roots were firmly planted in the soil of this quiet region, I always felt a pull toward something greater—a life beyond the familiar fences of my hometown.

This is the tale of how a country kid, once entrenched in the routine of small-town life, journeyed across the country to pursue a business degree, built a quinoa company from scratch, faced the challenges of entrepreneurship through a global pandemic, sold that business, rediscovered myself on an 8,000-mile road trip, and finally found purpose in an entirely new direction as a licensed massage therapist, educator, and wellness advocate.

The Leap to Boulder: Chasing Education and Opportunity

At age 20, I made my first major leap into the unknown: transferring to the University of Colorado Boulder to finish my business degree. Moving from rural Tennessee to a university nestled in the foothills of the Rockies was a culture shock in the best way possible. Boulder’s vibrant community, emphasis on health and wellness, and breathtaking landscapes gave me a glimpse of the world I longed to explore.

CU Boulder honed my entrepreneurial spirit. I learned not just the mechanics of running a business but also the importance of passion, grit, and adaptability. That foundation would serve me well when, not long after graduating, I embarked on an ambitious adventure—starting my own CPG quinoa business.

Building a Business from Scratch: A Journey of Resilience

Launching a quinoa company was both a dream and a challenge. At the time, quinoa was gaining traction as a healthy, sustainable food option, but the market was still young. Building the business from the ground up required countless hours of research, networking, and hands-on effort. Over the course of 15 years, I poured everything I had into growing the company.

The highs were exhilarating—seeing products hit store shelves, forging partnerships, and watching the business expand nationally. But there were also significant lows, none more challenging than navigating the company through the COVID-19 pandemic. The world seemed to shift overnight. Supply chains crumbled, consumer habits changed, food service stopped and the uncertainty weighed heavily.

Yet, even in the face of adversity, my team and I persevered. We adapted, pivoted strategies, and made some hard cuts. By 2023, the company had grown to the point where selling it became the logical next step. Letting go of something I had built from scratch was bittersweet, but it opened the door to a new chapter.

The Search for the Next Chapter

After selling the business, I found myself in an unfamiliar position: searching for the “right” job. With years of experience in operations, accounting, management, and sales, I assumed the transition would be smooth. I was wrong.

I went through interview after interview, each ending with polite rejections or mismatched expectations. For the first time in years, I felt untethered, unsure of what came next. That uncertainty led me to take an unconventional step—a six-week sabbatical.

The Road Trip That Changed Everything

I packed my car and hit the open road, embarking on an 8,000-mile journey across the U.S. and Eastern Canada. The goal wasn’t just to see new places—it was to free my mind and rediscover myself. Driving through the rugged beauty of national parks, quaint coastal towns, and bustling cities, I had time to reflect. The long hours on the road gave me perspective on my life, my achievements, and what I truly wanted moving forward.

But driving that much took a physical toll. By the time I returned home, my body ached in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I booked a massage out of necessity, but that simple act of self-care unexpectedly altered my path.

A Bold Pivot: Embracing Massage Therapy

The massage session was transformative—not just for my body but for my mind. I felt renewed, grounded, and inspired. As I chatted with the therapist Andrew, I learned about a local intensive massage therapy program at Berkana Institute. Within a few weeks of hearing about it, I made the decision to enroll.

It was a leap of faith, but something about it felt right. The immersive nature of the program challenged me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I discovered a deep passion for the human body’s capacity to heal and for helping others find relief from pain and stress.

Earning my license as a massage therapist (LMT) marked the start of a new phase in my career. But I didn’t stop there.

Expanding Horizons: Educator and Corporate Wellness Advocate

Becoming an LMT opened doors I hadn’t anticipated. Today, I serve as a business development and board preparation instructor, helping other aspiring therapists navigate their own journeys. I also work as a corporate wellness advocate for Yoga Pod, blending my background in business with my newfound passion for health and wellness.

Through these roles, I’ve discovered a new sense of purpose. I’m not just helping individuals find relief; I’m fostering a culture of well-being in workplaces and communities.

Saying Yes to Life’s Opportunities

Looking back, my journey has been defined by a willingness to say “yes” to new opportunities and challenges. Moving to Boulder, starting a business, navigating a pandemic, selling the company, exploring the country, and diving into massage therapy—all of it required taking risks and embracing the unknown.

That thirst for growth continues to drive me. Each step of my journey has taught me something invaluable: resilience, adaptability, and the importance of following your intuition.

What’s Next?

While I’m proud of how far I’ve come, I know my story is far from over. Life has a way of presenting opportunities when you least expect them, and I’m eager to see where the next chapter takes me.

Whether it’s expanding my work in corporate wellness, deepening my role as an educator, or exploring entirely new ventures, one thing is certain: I’ll continue saying “yes” to life’s challenges and opportunities. After all, the journey is just as important as the destination.