You are more capable than you think

On Friday I spoke at an incredible International Women’s Day event organised by the wonderful Tiba Al-Khalidy.

I was asked to talk about how I ended up as a business owner, the challenges I’ve faced, and I overcame them.

I thought I’d share a little bit about what I’ve learnt along the way

You might know, I’m a business owner, a former divorce lawyer, and, most importantly, a single mum to three amazing kids. But the journey here? It was anything but straightforward.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀

For a long time, I was doing exactly what I set out to do—working as a family and divorce lawyer. I’d decided on that career as a teenager after watching LA Law. The power suits and plush offices looked pretty good! And honestly, the pay wasn’t bad either.

But then life happened. My own divorce.

I’d been married for 15 years. My youngest was just one years old when I realised I had to leave.

It was terrifying. My whole world turned upside down.

How was I going to raise three small children on my own? How was I going to manage financially?

But sometimes, you don’t get a choice. You either sink or you swim—and when you have kids depending on you, you swim. Even when it feels like the waves are drowning you.

Those years were brutal. I went through fear, abuse, homelessness. I had moments when I thought I wouldn’t make it. But eventually, life settled.

And that’s when I realised something.

I didn’t want to be on the other side of the table, reading out legal options like a robot. I wanted to sit next to my clients. I wanted to help them, beyond just the paperwork. And so, my business was born—not just to make money, but as a mission.

Now, I help women navigate divorce in a way that supports them—through community, connection, and resilience. Because divorce isn’t just about splitting assets; it’s about rebuilding your life.

And while I was building that, something else started pulling at me.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗻𝗼. 𝟮

During Covid, I had a realisation. What if I couldn’t work? What if something happened and I had no income?

So, I started looking for a backup plan. Property investing seemed like an option,

By 2022, I bought my first two properties. Big redevelopment projects. And just like that, I found myself on a whole new journey.

Once again, my work became a mission. I didn’t realise it at first, but looking back, I can see it so clearly. I’d been through mental health struggles. I’d been homeless. I’d been in abusive situations.

And now? I create homes for people who are going through those exact same struggles. People with mental health challenges. Families facing homelessness. Women escaping abuse.

𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵…

Somewhere in the middle of all this, I also bought a photobooth hire business. Because, you know, why not? @waterfallphotobooth

It’s been so different from anything I’ve done before. Weddings, parties, corporate events—it’s fun, stressful, and completely unrelated to divorce or property. But I’m loving the challenge!

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁h

People talk about running a business like it’s this amazing, glamorous thing. And sure, sometimes it is.

Some days, you feel unstoppable. Other days, you’re clinging on for dear life, questioning why you ever thought this was a good idea instead of just getting a job with a steady salary.

At the start, I went from a comfortable monthly salary to nothing. I worked through the night just to get myself set up. I had moments when I regretted everything. The stress, the uncertainty.

But then, there’s the other side.

Freedom.

Freedom to be there for my kids. To go to school plays, sports days, PTA meetings. To build something that matters to me.

And impact.

When I see someone get the keys to a home after months of struggling, or when a woman in my divorce group realises she’s stronger than she ever thought—that is why I do this.

My learnings

I've learnt lots during my divorce and business journey throughout the years.  I'd love to share some with you here.  I hope it gives you some tips you can use during your divorce:

𝗙𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗴𝗼 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆—𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗶𝘁.

Every time I face a new challenge as a single person, the fear creeps in. Every time I have to make decisions alone, I feel uncertain. But you can't let fear paralyse you. You acknowledge it, face the unknown, and take each day as it comes. Healing only happens when you keep moving forward.

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲.

We often think we need to be strong and handle everything by ourselves after divorce. You don't. Reaching out to friends, family, or a therapist isn't weakness—it's self-care. Building a support system is crucial for healing.

𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱.

There's no perfect way to navigate divorce or rebuild your life. Some days will be messy, and that's okay. You don't need to have everything figured out straightaway. Each small step forward counts, even if it's imperfect.

𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱.

Connect with others who have walked this path. Their wisdom and understanding can light the way. Sometimes the strongest connections come from shared experiences.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

You are stronger than you realise.

The end of a marriage can shake your foundation. You question everything. You worry about the future. You wonder if you'll ever feel whole again.

But the truth is—this ending is also a beginning. You have the power to rebuild.

This International Women's Day, let's celebrate our resilience and strength. As women, we often carry heavy burdens silently, but today reminds us that we're part of a greater sisterhood of support and understanding.

Trust in your resilience. Honour your feelings. Create new dreams. And most importantly—be gentle with yourself.

Remember, your story isn't over—it's just taking a new direction.

Happy International Women's Day to all the incredible women navigating life's challenges. Your strength inspires others more than you know.

What's one small step you can take today toward healing? What new possibility can you open yourself to?