I started out as an ambitious young woman who wanted to conquer the world. That drive carried me into business leadership — and then into aviation, because why not chase a dream job that literally takes you higher?
Work took me to Canada. He was there too — sewing his wild oats and playing rugby. We were not supposed to make sense. We made sense anyway. I followed him to Australia and we built something that, from the outside, looked absolutely perfect. Because it was.
We were blessed with three incredible kids who are sharp at school, active in sport, and who never once stopped being the best thing we ever made together. We built a deliciously award-winning business — our BBQ sauce was named best in Australia. Our event won best in Australia too. Multiple locations, tons of events, and so many people fed. We were a brand we loved and people genuinely loved too.
And then everything turned upside down. From bush fires to covid to inflation, and ultimately the stress closing an award-winning, multi-location business — and 15 years of life — caught up with us. He decided he didn't love me anymore. So I did what any completely unhinged, deeply capable woman does: packed up three kids, moved back to Texas, and started over in my childhood bedroom.
With perspective you cannot buy. With kids who are thriving — not despite what happened, but partly because of how we handled it. And with the absolute clarity that comes from building something extraordinary, watching it end, and choosing to begin again anyway.
That's not a sad story. That's a credential.
I'm also a lifelong sports fan — a former fast-pitch softball pitcher who grew up around professional athletics. I still get emotionally invested in games that have nothing to do with me and I love every minute of it. That competitive fire? It never left. I just channelled it somewhere more useful.