The Unconventional Path
The thing is, status quo has never quite resonated with me, not now and not as far back as I can remember.
In fact, questioning the conventional paths laid before me has always been more of a lifestyle than a phase. Growing up in the ’80s, while other kids were occupied with typical childhood activities, I was the outlier—immersed in books, crafting stories, and always dreaming bigger than my surroundings seemed to allow. I often felt like the “odd one out.”
My childhood in rural Illinois wasn’t typical either. My parents ran a dairy farm with over a hundred cows, a daily demonstration of diligence and resilience that few of my peers could relate to. Their work ethic wasn’t just observed; it was instilled in me, shaping my own drive and determination.
From a young age, this environment fostered my independent thinking. I was always probing deeper, questioning how the world worked and envisioning how I could carve out my own path. This mindset eventually laid the groundwork for what would become Living Lioness—a platform crafted to inspire, empower, and guide others to live their lives to the fullest, imbued with vitality, authenticity, and continuous growth.
Early Foundations
Rural Roots and Early Life
Growing up on a farm in the 1980s, in the middle of nowhere in Illinois, I witnessed firsthand the power of hard work and perseverance. My parents managed a dairy farm with over 100 cows, requiring twice-a-day milking with no breaks or vacations. They worked harder than anyone I have ever seen, and their relentless dedication became the bedrock of my character.
Their tenacity and work ethic were imprinted on me from a young age, teaching me the value of resilience and the importance of seeing things through, no matter how tough the going gets. This environment cultivated my own sense of hard work and tenacity, traits that have been pivotal in my personal and professional growth.
As I watched my parents tirelessly manage the farm, I absorbed lessons that would shape my future endeavors.
I learned that success isn’t handed to you; it’s earned through persistent effort and unwavering commitment- guided by a clear vision.
These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for the rewards of hard work, and they fueled my drive to excel in everything I do- holding a high standard for myself and the deliverables of the work I deliver. Whether it was helping out with farm chores or pursuing my creative passions, I approached every task with the same level of dedication and determination.
These foundational years on the farm were more than just about building physical strength; they were about developing a mindset of perseverance and grit.
This mindset has been my ingrained north star, helping me navigate through challenges and push beyond my limits. It’s this spirit of relentless pursuit that I bring into all aspects of my life, from my career to my personal goals, embodying the ethos of Lioness 2.0.
Creative Escapes and Early Passions
While farm life instilled a strong work ethic in me, my true joy came from creativity. Even before I was 12 years old, I was always that kid with my nose in a book—generally adult-level reading, —devouring 500-page novels in one focused sitting was the norm.
Books were my sanctuary, transporting me to different worlds and igniting my imagination. I found enjoyment in writing, crafting 20-page handwritten stories that poured out of me as naturally as breathing. These stories were my escape, a way to explore the vast landscapes of my mind and bring my thoughts to life on paper.
My passion for creativity didn’t stop at writing. I also expressed myself through art, often losing myself in the process of drawing and painting. This dedication paid off, as I won numerous awards for my artwork throughout my formative years.
Each piece of art was a reflection of my inner world, a testament to my love for storytelling and expression. These creative escapes were more than just hobbies; they were essential outlets that allowed me to explore my identity and nurture my imagination.
These early passions for reading, writing, and art were not just fleeting interests; they were the foundation of my love for storytelling and creativity.
These passions became a vital part of who I am. This blend of hard work and creativity has been a constant theme in my life, shaping my journey and guiding me toward my true potential. The lessons I learned through these creative escapes continue to inspire me, fueling my drive to live fully, authentically, and with an unyielding passion for personal growth.
Rejecting Conventional Education
Disillusionment with Formal Education
As I grew older, my disillusionment with the traditional education system became clear. The rigid structure and irrelevant content didn’t resonate with me.
While many of my peers seemed content with memorizing facts and irrelevant mathematical concepts—ones that would become obsolete as technology advanced in our later adult working lives—and following a predetermined path, I found myself yearning for something more- although at the time, I couldn’t quite put my finger on what that was….
The conventional approach to education felt restrictive and disconnected from the realities of life. I craved real-world experiences, practical knowledge, and meaningful learning that went beyond the classroom walls.
My early school years were marked by a sense of frustration. The endless repetition and the focus on rote learning left me uninspired. I couldn’t see how memorizing dates and formulas would help me navigate the complexities of the real world. I craved an education that was dynamic and adaptable, one that would allow me to explore my interests and apply my knowledge in practical ways.
Adding to this disillusionment was the societal expectation to follow a linear path: go to college, get married, and have kids. This conventional life plan didn’t sit right with me at such a young age. How could anyone truly know what they want to be or do before they are fully grown?
I questioned how people could decide their entire future at 18 when they had so much more growing and learning to do. This realization fueled my determination to seek out alternative paths to learning and personal growth, ones that allowed me to discover and pursue my passions authentically and at my own pace.
Early Career and Self-Learning
In the late 1990s, when the time came to choose between continuing my education or entering the workforce, the decision was clear. I chose to dive straight into the working world, eager to gain practical experience and discover what truly mattered to me. While my peers were earning degrees, I was learning real-life skills that couldn’t be taught in a classroom.
Starting out in manufacturing and distribution companies, I quickly realized the value of hands-on experience. Each job was a new lesson, teaching me the intricacies of business operations, problem-solving, and effective communication. I excelled in these roles, not because of any formal training, but because of a relentless drive to learn, grow, and improve.
Self-directed learning became my mantra. I devoured books, attended workshops, and sought out mentors who could provide insights beyond traditional education. This approach allowed me to tailor my learning to my interests and career goals, leading to a deeper understanding and greater engagement with the material.
In my early 30s, after over 10 years of working in various marketing departments, I discovered my passion for digital marketing. This was a field that perfectly blended my love for technology, creativity, and providing solutions. It was a revelation that might never have come had I followed a conventional path. By waiting to pursue this interest, I entered the field just as it was transforming into the digital powerhouse it is today, allowing me to immerse myself fully and capitalize on the latest trends and technologies.
Realizing that formal education could complement my practical experience, I decided to return to college and earned a four-year business degree in marketing. This academic pursuit in my early 30s, combined with my extensive hands-on experience, solidified my expertise and confirmed that B2B marketing was my life’s calling. The blend of real-world experience and formal education gave me a unique perspective and set me apart in my field.
Professional Journey and Realizations
By diving right into the work world at 18, I was immediately faced with roles that demanded adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a relentless work ethic—qualities I had cultivated growing up on a farm. I thrived in each position, constantly seeking ways to improve processes, increase efficiency, and contribute to the company’s success.
My proactive attitude didn’t go unnoticed, earning me numerous accolades and recognition for my performance. I consistently outpaced my colleagues and set new benchmarks for achievement.
Discovering a Passion for Marketing
While my early career was filled with diverse roles, it was in the marketing departments where I truly found my calling. Marketing wasn’t just about selling products; it was about understanding human behavior, crafting compelling narratives, and leveraging data to drive results. This blend of creativity and strategy resonated deeply with me.
By my early 30s, after years of hands-on experience, I realized that marketing was my passion and my life’s work.
This realization gave me a clear direction and motivated me to invest heavily in my self-education. I took courses, attended seminars, and sought out mentors to refine my skills and stay ahead of industry trends.
My passion for marketing transformed my career, leading to roles where I could leverage my skills to drive significant results for my clients. I helped businesses grow their online presence, increase their customer base, and achieve their marketing goals.
Most recently, I’ve channeled this passion into starting my own industry niche-focused digital marketing business.
Although it’s still in the early stages, this endeavor represents the culmination of my experiences and learning. It’s an exciting new chapter where I can directly apply my knowledge and skills to help other businesses in the B2B space thrive, embodying the principles of Living Lioness—living with purpose, vitality, and continuous growth.
Achievements Through Autodidactism
TThe power of self-education extends far beyond my professional life; it is the cornerstone of my personal and business achievements. Through meticulous research and self-guided learning, I’ve harnessed the potential of autodidactism not only in fitness and nutrition but also in shaping my entrepreneurial journey.
My approach to fitness and nutrition involves a personalized eating system—my ‘secret’ to maintaining vitality and health while enjoying life’s pleasures, like favorite foods and cocktails, without guilt. This system isn’t just about staying lean; it’s about feeling energetic and fully alive, a testament to the power of tailored solutions that I’ve developed through years of self-study.
Similarly, in fitness, my dedication to learning and applying various training methodologies has allowed me to achieve and maintain a physical condition that many younger individuals might envy. This includes understanding how different exercises impact the body and how to optimize workouts for peak performance and recovery.
Each of these areas—business, marketing, fitness, and nutrition—are interconnected in my life through the thread of autodidactism. The strategies and systems I’ve developed and refined over the years are not just methods but a lifestyle, one that I am eager to share through Living Lioness. This platform is not only a reflection of my professional and personal life’s work but also an invitation to others to learn, adapt, and thrive in their own endeavors.
My journey is a testament to the power of living a life true to oneself, embracing continuous growth, and striving for excellence in every aspect. Living Lioness is not just a platform; it’s a movement aimed at inspiring others to discover their true potential, live fully and abundantly, and be unapologetically authentic.
Through self-education, independence, and a relentless pursuit of passion, we can all achieve a life of vitality, empowerment, and continuous growth. Join me on this journey, and let’s redefine what it means to live our fullest lives together.
Join the Journey
My story is more than just a series of personal anecdotes; it embodies the very essence of what Living Lioness stands for.
From questioning the status quo as a child, to thriving in a career built on self-directed learning, to maintaining peak physical health through personalized strategies, every step of my journey is a testament to living authentically and fully.
It’s really all about challenging conventional wisdom, embracing continuous growth, and striving for excellence in all aspects of life.
I’ve shared my experiences not just to tell you who I am, but to illustrate the transformative power of living true to oneself. The lessons I’ve learned, the skills I’ve acquired, and the successes I’ve achieved are all part of a broader narrative—one that encourages every woman to discover her true potential and to live a life filled with vitality, purpose, and joy.
Embrace Your Path
As you read through my journey, I hope you find inspiration to reflect on your own path. Whether you’re in a transitional phase, seeking to redefine your career, improve your health, or simply live more authentically, know that it’s never too late to start. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and growth. Take control of your learning, question the norms, and pursue what truly resonates with you.
Your path might not look like mine, and that’s perfectly okay. What matters is that it’s yours—unique, fulfilling, and aligned with your deepest values. The journey to self-discovery and living fully is ongoing, and every step you take is a step toward a more empowered and authentic version of yourself.
Take the Next Step
Living Lioness is here to educate and inspire. As I continue to grow and develop resources, you’ll find valuable insights, checklists, and actionable tips designed to help you live your best life. Whether it’s through social media updates, blog posts, or downloadable guides, my goal is to provide you with the tools and knowledge to achieve your full potential.
So, what’s next for you? What steps will you take today to embrace your true potential and live the life you’ve always imagined?
Stay tuned for more from Living Lioness as we embark on this journey together—fierce, empowered, and unapologetically authentic.