For over a decade, I worked in Medical Aesthetics as a Skin Care Director and Aesthetician. But life had a different plan. Taking a risk, I partnered with my soon-to-be fiancé to build a Specialty Rod & Rig business for the Commercial Fishing Industry. In less than a year, I turned a $10,000 investment into $75,000 in profit—proof that I could build something from the ground up.

I was living what I thought was the American Dream—a growing business, an engagement, and a bright future.

Until it all came crashing down.

I lost everything—my business, my home, my security, and nearly my life. Fleeing domestic violence, I found myself in a women’s shelter with nothing but my pets and the clothes on my back.

I was broken—not just financially, but emotionally.

The question became: how do I start over?

That answer came unexpectedly. My brother-in-law told me about an all-women’s pre-apprenticeship trade school offering scholarships. With nothing to lose, I applied. To my surprise, I was accepted.

I was introduced to the skilled trades—Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, and more. I threw myself into learning, pushing forward with determination, discipline, and grit.

In just three years, I went from pre-apprentice to apprentice to journeywoman electrician—a journey that typically takes four to five years.