The Moment That Shaped Me

There are moments in life that shape who you become not just professionally, but at your core. For me, one of those moments came at 24 years old.

I had just married and I was working 16 to 18 hours a day in a salaried role as a property manager with no overtime. I managed 600 properties, plus another full portfolio that wasn’t even mine. Why? Because my manager at the time had a fear of lifts, and I was expected to take on their entire workload as well.

Eventually, the owner of the business discovered this. They fired the manager. And immediately elevated me at 24—to Department Manager of a team handling over 1,400 properties.

Within the first month, I uncovered four investment properties that hadn’t been leased out for more than six months and one that had been sitting empty for over three years. I worked tirelessly to prove myself. And I did. Over that year, I overhauled systems, restructured procedures, hired and fired, led the team, and kept that office thriving. I would wake up to tenants on a Saturday night who had forgotten their keys and drive to let them in with our copy just so they wouldn’t have to call a locksmith because I believed renters deserved service too, not just owners.

But the pressure, stress, and my own impossibly high expectations took their toll.

I got sick. Very sick. I caught a virus. Then one morning, I woke up and couldn’t feel the right side of my face. Bell’s Palsy. The diagnosis was terrifying. I took only 1.5 weeks off work the first time in my entire employment. I returned with a medical certificate in hand and had kept in touch every day to assist the team while I was unwell.

I thought that would be enough.

It wasn’t.

Despite everything I had done, I was pulled into the office the morning I returned and fired on the spot for being “unreliable.” No warning. No notice. Just escorted to my desk under the receptionist’s supervision to collect my things like I was a criminal. I cried like a baby in the office, in the car, and at home.

But I also applied for new jobs that very afternoon and secured a new position within 48 hours, Bell’s Palsy and all.

Still, that moment stayed with me. The rejection. The disrespect. The complete dismissal of my worth. So I did what so many of us do I pushed harder, worked longer, and kept proving my value… to everyone else but myself.

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Years Later: The Universe Brings It Back Around

A few years ago, an enquiry came through my wedding planning business. We scheduled a Zoom call. And I didn’t realise until the screen loaded who it was.

My old boss.

My heart dropped.

They wanted help with their wedding. They hadn’t found anyone close to what we offered especially the level of support we provide, like being available for 10pm texts when you’re anxious. That’s okay. That’s what we do.

I stayed professional. Listened. Smiled. Internally, I was screaming “Do you remember me?” But of course, they didn’t. I was just another name, another face they’d fired. Even with my name across the brand, they didn’t make the connection.

And at the end, they said:

“You're an asset to couples exactly like us. I can tell you’re a good businessperson. You’ve got drive, warmth, detail. I know nothing would slip past you.”

I sat there, holding my expression. No eye roll. No smug grin. Just quiet, calm growth.

Because this was the same person who once called me unreliable. Who didn’t protect my role when I needed it most. And now? Now they saw me they just didn’t realise they had before.

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The Power of Choice

I had already advised I wouldn’t be personally available for their wedding date. They were happy for my team to manage the day.

But after sitting with it, I made a decision.

The ball was in my court now.

I sent a polite, professional email explaining that after reviewing their needs, they weren’t the right fit for our team and wished them all the best.

They replied, asking me to reconsider. I declined.

Full circle.

From being discarded by someone I gave everything to, to being in a position to say no—professionally.

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Lessons That Last

You never forget the people who helped pave the way and those who didn’t. The world is small. And full circle? She shows up when you least expect her.

What I know now is this:

• I didn’t need validation then.
• I was always good enough.
• They just didn’t see it. But I do now.

And that’s what fuels me to build a business rooted in experiences, loyalty, and value. One where clients feel seen, supported and safe. One where no team member is ever made to feel invisible.

Because being great isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being human and being respected for it.

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Why Am I Telling You This Story?

Because that chapter shaped me.

It carved out my standards, my expectations and my integrity. But most importantly, it taught me how I would never treat people.

Today, I lead a business where excellence is the baseline but never at the cost of wellbeing. Where my team is empowered, supported, and acknowledged. Where no one gets escorted out for falling ill. Where loyalty is returned and growth is nurtured.

My high level standards haven’t changed.

But I now create the kind of future I once needed, one where people thrive.

The full circle didn’t just close. It became the foundation of something better.