Life is a beautiful, wild ride — a blend of joy, hardship, wonder, and challenge all rolled into one. As a mother, partner, sister, daughter, professional, and friend, I’ve aspired (not always successfully achieved) to embrace life’s ups and downs with determination and resilience.
When I was growing up, my mom always told me my stars were aligned because I had a knack for manifesting what I wanted in life.
While I’m not entirely convinced about star alignment’s role in a fulfilled life, I firmly believe that with hard work, a thoughtful plan, and positive thinking, you can achieve incredible things.
Growing up in Hawaii, I naturally appreciated the little things in life. From catching bugs and butterflies to hanging upside down on anything that could hold me, I was a carefree and lighthearted little girl. Raised by two educators, college was a non-negotiable, yet I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I followed my parents’ advice to take classes I enjoyed, with the goal of finding a career where I could do what I loved.
So… I dabbled in Nutrition, only to discover I’m terrible at science. Then I explored becoming a Physical Therapist — turns out, I’m not good at math either. With a love for fashion, I checked out the Fashion Design program — never sewed a thing in my life. Finally, I took a communications class and was instantly captivated by human dynamics. That’s how I ended up with a degree in Speech and Communication!
While in college, I worked as a sales associate for a woman who ran a chain of retail stores. One night, while we were working together, she said, “I love your work ethic, and I like your style. Would you want to come with me on a buying trip?” I nearly jumped out of my skin with excitement at the opportunity. I spent the next five years at that company, and by the end of it, she had taught me how to design fabric using a software platform and I built partnerships with fabric mills. I became the head of visual merchandising and new store developments, and together, we opened several stores across the Hawaiian Islands and one in Las Vegas.
She gave me opportunities for career advancement that I would have never been qualified to do on paper.
My twenties were a whirlwind of grand dreams and small acting and modeling gigs. We moved from Hawaii to the US mainland (that’s what we called it in Hawaii) and started my career in Human Resources, where I honed my skills in understanding and working with people. I still reveled in life’s simple pleasures, from developing a love for coffee, becoming a mom, and discovered the joy of creativity in unexpected places.
In my thirties, I pursued higher education and earned my MBA. I also discovered the power of vision boarding as a tool to visualize and plan for ones future. One of the best things that happened to me in my thirties was finding my tribe, a group of girlfriends who have added immense richness to this journey.
Their sisterhood has proved invaluable, providing encouragement, inspiration, and a sense of belonging that has made every achievement more meaningful and every challenge easier to face.
Entering my forties, I quipped to a therapist about my “charmed life” ending, but life’s plot twists kept coming — like juggling flaming marshmallows, sometimes toasted perfectly, sometimes ending up in my hair! Balancing the challenges of aging parents, the financial pressures of providing for a family, building a career, ending a 20-year marriage, and embracing single parenthood felt a bit like juggling flaming swords — both thrilling and daunting.
Amidst these challenges, I found love again and married my life partner, Bill. We affectionately refer to our relationship as “version 2.0,” embracing our differences and finding completeness in each other. Both of us share a passion for leadership and bring extensive experience from the tech industry to our blended family of six.
Together, inspired by the words of Chris Stapleton, we’re ready to take chances and roll the dice, embracing the thrill of starting over.
In 2022, our lives took an unexpected turn when one of our sons was diagnosed with a low-grade glioma at the age of 20. It’s incredible how quickly your world can be turned upside down, and when that happens, you find yourself walking a path no parent ever wants to tread. While I believe that dark moments make us stronger, this experience led me to The Morgan Adams Foundation, a non-profit organization that funds pediatric cancer research.
Today, I find inspiration in the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the foundation as a board member, touching the hearts and lives of numerous children and families.
On December 1st, 2023, we faced another twist in the road with a breast cancer diagnosis. The news was overwhelming and daunting, but it also ignited a newfound determination within me. This diagnosis became a turning point, reminding me of the importance of resilience, hope, and the power of a strong support system. It has inspired me to build this website, and share my story.
I have come to realize that life’s unexpected twists and turns can be both frightening and fulfilling in ways that were never imagined. Through professional accolades, starting over, discovering health challenges, nurturing my Tribe, and savoring life’s chocolates (and good bottles of wine), I’ve emerged stronger and wiser. Life will continue to unfold with its highs and lows, and I plan to face each wave with laughter, love, and readiness for whatever comes next.
Come along with me!
