Becoming Beautifully Empowered
I was born and raised in Rhode Island, famously known as the Ocean State, where the salty breeze of the Atlantic and the sound of waves have always felt like home. Growing up surrounded by beaches, I developed a deep love for the ocean, Boston sports, and of course, seafood. But beyond the sandy shores and clam bakes, my upbringing in a male-dominated family played a significant role in shaping who I am today.
As the baby of the family, with two older brothers, I spent my childhood looking up to them. They’ve blessed me with four nephews (so far) that I adore, and my family has always been a huge part of my life. But being the only girl in a sea of men came with its unique set of challenges and rewards. I often noticed that while I aspired to have the same privileges as my brothers, I was reminded time and time again that girls "don't get those same privileges." This early exposure to gender dynamics sparked something deep within me — an inner feminist who questioned the norms and fought to break free from limiting beliefs. Every family has its dysfunctions, and mine is no different, but it’s these very quirks that make it special. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
For much of my life, I wrestled with finding my identity. I wanted to make everyone happy, be the perfect daughter, sister, friend, and colleague, and I struggled with the wound of judgment. The pressure of people-pleasing weighed heavy on my shoulders, and for years, I allowed external influences to dictate who I was supposed to be. That all began to change when I made the bold decision to move across the country to San Diego at 24. It was the first time I distanced myself from the expectations of my upbringing and truly began to uncover who I was, away from everyone else's opinions.
San Diego became my sanctuary for self-discovery. Being on my own, away from my family’s familiar patterns and voices, fast-tracked my personal development. It wasn’t always easy, but the solitude helped me tap into the inner strength I never knew I had. The version of me who was terrified of being judged began to dissolve, and in her place, a confident, empowered woman emerged. I realized that I didn’t need to please anyone else to be worthy. I had to please myself first.
It was during this time of deep self-reflection that I also rediscovered my faith. Growing up, I had known about God but often felt distant from Him, unsure of my place in His plan. As I struggled with people-pleasing and seeking validation, I finally reached a breaking point where I knew I couldn’t find my true identity without Him. In those moments of solitude and soul-searching, I turned to Christ, and He revealed to me my worth and purpose. Through Him, I found the confidence and clarity I had been searching for all along. My faith is now the cornerstone of who I am, and it drives my passion to help other women find their strength through Christ, just as I did.
Now, as the founder of Beautifully Empowered, I want to help other women, especially those who’ve felt boxed in by societal expectations, break free from those same chains. My journey of self-discovery was long and winding, but it taught me that we are all deserving of living authentically, without apology. Life is too short to be anyone but yourself. And if my story can inspire even one woman to own her power, then every struggle I faced was worth it.
Here’s to embracing every part of who you are, growing through the challenges, and empowering others to do the same!
