I didn’t set out to lead a community of wellness enthusiasts! When I graduated from Boston University in 2009, I set my sights on advertising, but the recession and high unemployment rate sent me home to California where I taught spin to support myself.

After nine months of saving, I headed back to Boston ready to conquer advertising. But I still ended up finding myself in the spin studio. Family didn’t understand why I wasn’t laser focused on my advertising career and friends didn’t understand why I ditched brunch plans for studio time. But I witnessed a community change their lives through fitness and I was passionate to continue that charge.

While I’m the first to admit (and proudly so!) that spin studios are now a dime a dozen in Boston, back in 2011, I was one of the first to dedicate myself entirely to this world – and it was a huge risk. To this day, leading and launching my first wellness retreat was my scariest career move, both financially and professionally.

While it was the natural next step, my community would determine my success. Would they trust me? They did. I’m now planning my third retreat in Morocco through my brand, “What Lies Within,” I am the Director of Talent at BSpokeStudios, a yoga instructor at Exhale Spa.

I learned that entrepreneurship doesn’t come with a roadmap. Every decision I make is risky, but right or wrong, it’s a step in the next direction.

As for what’s next, I’ve built my career by motivating others to give it their all and now I’m pushing myself to anticipate the next climb.