How I Turned My Rock Bottom Into A Power Move (And How You Can Too)
Let’s be real. Life can throw some serious curveballs. At 21, I was broke, newly divorced, and a single mom. Talk about a wake-up call. But instead of letting it crush me, I decided to flip the script. I transformed my struggles into something powerful—and you can do it too.
The Early Struggles
At the young age of 19 I had become a stay at home mom and wife. I had manifested what I had daydreamed about as a teenager and it felt like I had it all figured out. Fast forward to my divorce, and I was suddenly staring down a future that felt completely uncertain. Even with my job experience as a well-performing salesman in various industries, I found myself with no financial cushion, limited support and definitely no back up plan. I had to figure things out on my own, and fast.
Finding My Strength
Those early days of single motherhood? Overwhelming doesn’t even begin to cover it. But I realized I had to dig deep. I started hustling—taking on three jobs, including working at two restaurants and walking and boarding dogs for people. Working from 8 AM to 10 PM for 6-7 days a week for the first three months was exhausting, but it taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. I've always been an optimist so in true Leanna-fashion I reminded myself that my struggles weren’t just obstacles; they were opportunities to grow.
Leveraging My Experience
Before getting married, I had been modeling since my freshmen year of high school. The industry had taught me valuable skills in communication and self-presentation, which I later applied to my sales career. At 23, I conjured up everything I learned from both the modeling/advertising industry and the sales/marketing world, and launched a candle company from my kitchen. It was a wild ride, but it allowed me to learn, create, express myself, and keep myself busy-while making money.
Investing in Myself
As my business started to gain traction, I realized I needed to invest in myself. I dove into online courses, workshops, and sought out mentors who inspired me. Surrounding myself with positive, like-minded people was a game changer. Personal development became my obsession.
Achieving Milestones
Fast forward to today, I'm so grateful to be building up my second business as a single mom! I still book paid modeling gigs for fun on the weekends even at almost 30 years old. I've bought and paid off my first car after separating and giving back the car that had been bought for me- when I start over, I start all the way over. I can proudly say I even bought and paid off my own land out west —something I once thought was impossible. I don't say any of this to brag, but yes, I am proud. I made my life unrecognizable in just a few years. With MINIMAL help and resources, I was able to accomplish so much, which fires me up, because I know for those who may not be a single mom or who have a little more time on their hands, or more support- your potential and limits are ENDLESS. A classic case of "If I can do it, so can you."
This journey has reshaped my identity, my life, and even my appearance (which we will talk about some other time). I'm proud of what I've done. Although I'm nowhere close to where I want to be, if this was it for me- I'd be happy.
I took my rock bottom and turned it into the biggest "glow-up" of my life.
How You Can Turn Your Rock Bottom into a Power Move
If you've found yourself at rock bottom or in a position where you're starting your life over- remember: your struggles are just opportunities to grow and level up. Align with your highest self and take control of your future with these easy-to-do steps below:
Embrace Your Situation: Don't just acknowledge where you are, find the beauty in it; it’s part of your story.
Set Clear Goals: Get clear and precise on your goals and the vision of the life you want to be living. Based off where you're at now, begin a roadmap to your vision.
Invest in Yourself: Knowledge is power. Figure out what inspires you and learn new skills and expand your knowledge— being able to consistently evolve is key.
Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who's morals and views align with yours. Nourish and be grateful for your relationships whether romantic or familial, and pour into those around you- it will come back around.
Stay Resilient: Remember, setbacks are just the Universe's way of seeing if you are where you need to be to move forward and level up. Keep pushing forward.
Conclusion
My journey from rock bottom to a happy and thriving mother and business owner is proof that resilience pays off. If I can turn my challenges into victories, so can you. Your struggles don’t have to define you; they can be the groundwork for your greatest success.
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