Everyone Has a Story

In the UK, approximately 31% of young people have experienced trauma during childhood (BMJ, King’s College London).

Today, I feel a deep need to share something very personal—an experience that has shaped the person I am today. It all began during a simple trip to the local shop. As I stepped out with my groceries, I noticed a young woman sitting outside, asking for money. I recognised her immediately from cruel posts on Facebook where she was labelled as the “local dirty drug addict”.

But I didn’t see that. I saw a person—a human being, beautiful in her own way, despite the visible hardships written on her face. Her politeness and kindness struck me, though it was clear she was struggling. It broke my heart to see her in such a desperate situation.

I approached her and started a conversation. She was sweet and respectful, and while I wanted to help, I knew my assistance had its limits. I gave her some money, hoping it would keep her safe for a little while, but I understood that she would likely be back tomorrow, facing the same judgements from those who didn’t understand her story.

The Cycles We Are Born Into

Research in The Lancet Psychiatry found that 31% of young people exposed to childhood trauma were not in education, employment, or training by age 18 (BMJ, King’s College London).

This encounter made me reflect deeply on how our lives are shaped. We all begin life as innocent children, full of potential. Yet, the environments we grow up in, the behaviours we observe, and the choices we make influence the paths we follow. There’s a common belief that we often walk in our parents’ footsteps, and there is truth in that. As children, our parents are our first heroes. We trust them, believe in them, and often think they know best—even when sometimes they don’t.

It’s often the case that children born into poverty remain in poverty, while children of business owners tend to follow in their parents’ footsteps. This cycle can continue through generations. But every now and then, someone finds the strength to break free. I realised that I could be that person.

The cycle I was born into could have trapped me, but instead, it laid the foundation for my resilience and determination. I’ve faced more trauma and challenges than many can imagine, but those experiences equipped me with the tools to build a life I’m proud of today.

Growing Up in Chaos

I grew up in an environment most people can’t imagine. My mother gave birth to me when she was just 13—a child herself. Despite her youth, she was full of love, and we shared beautiful moments together. But darkness overshadowed those moments. My early memories are a blend of joy and fear—being loved deeply but feeling incredibly unsafe.

I remember joyful moments, like jumping on the sofa with my mum, singing into hairbrushes, and laughing as if the world was perfect. But those moments were fleeting. A few hours later, I’d be hiding under the covers, scared of the strange men outside the door, or worse, the ones coming into my room to tell me everything was “okay”.

I’ll never forget the day I was 10 years old, kneeling beside my mother as she was taken away by an ambulance after yet another suicide attempt. I spent countless nights with headphones on, trying to block out the chaos and abuse happening just outside my bedroom door.

Realising There Was Another Way

At 12, I was placed with my granddad after moving from one unstable situation to another. While this offered some relief, it also brought new challenges. I was bullied at school for wearing clothes that didn’t fit and for having a mother who wasn’t like everyone else’s. The shame, combined with the neglect and emotional abuse I had endured, could have left me defeated. But instead, it ignited a spark within me.

One day, I visited my uncle in Canary Wharf, London. Watching people in suits rush to their offices, I realised that there was another way to live—a life that was vastly different from the one I had known. From that moment on, I was determined to break free.

By the time I was 15 or 16, I began taking the train to London on my own, observing the business world and absorbing the energy of the city. I didn’t fully understand it then, but I was allowing myself to be inspired by a life I wasn’t born into—a life I could create if I worked hard enough.

Building My Own Path

I began working tirelessly. My first job was in marketing, and it wasn’t long before I realised that I had skills and talents that could take me far. I enrolled in a business degree, determined to learn everything I could. Eventually, I discovered my passion in the beauty industry. I poured all my energy into starting a beauty business, and for the first time, I was earning my own money. It felt incredible. But I wasn’t just working for myself—I was working for the future I wanted to give my children, I knew I had a purpose to give other children the life I deserved and so desperately wish I had.

At 22, I became a mother. Holding my child for the first time, I realised my life now had a greater purpose. I wanted to give him the love, stability, and opportunities I never had. As I worked harder to achieve that, my ambitions grew. By the time my second child was born, I was determined to give them the best education and the best opportunities possible. I wanted to ensure that they never felt the fear, shame, or desperation that I had growing up.

Empathy Through Pain

My past wasn’t easy, but it gave me a deep empathy for others. The situations I witnessed growing up gave me a unique ability to understand people on a deeper level, which has been invaluable in my work. I don’t just train my students—I connect with them. I see them as individuals with their own stories and challenges, and I tailor my training to help them succeed.

The abuse and neglect I experienced could have left me feeling worthless, but instead, it made me a perfectionist. I strive for excellence in everything I do because I believe greatness is not only possible, but essential. This drive for perfection is what makes my training academy stand out. I won’t settle for less than the best, and that’s what I deliver to my students.

Breaking the Cycle

Research shows that 60-70% of people exposed to traumatic events are able to demonstrate resilience and avoid long-term mental health issues. This is known as “post-traumatic growth,” which refers to positive psychological changes following a traumatic experience​(Psychology Today)

Ultimately, my experiences gave me the strength and resilience to build a successful business and help others do the same. I broke the cycle I was born into, and now my purpose is to empower others to break their own cycles and create the lives they dream of.

Yes, my story is one of hardship, but it’s also one of triumph. It’s a story of transformation—of taking the darkest parts of my life and using them to build something beautiful, not just for myself, but for others. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

My journey from childhood trauma to business success wasn’t easy, but it shaped me into the person I am today. Through resilience, empathy, and determination, I built a life I am proud of, and I now dedicate myself to helping others break free from the cycles that hold them back. If my story can inspire even one person to believe in their own potential, then it’s a story worth telling.