In my first article, I discussed my employment highs and lows while living in Belgium as a military spouse. I mentioned a social media post expressing my eagerness to work stating, “I’m actively looking to share my professional expertise to make a difference. The work can be a paid position or internship (unpaid) to prove my worth, leading to pay.” This was driven by my need to feel like a contributing member of society.

The post unexpectedly resulted in an opportunity to volunteer with a Veteran-owned business. While still overseas, I took on small tasks that didn’t require much time. Upon returning to the United States in early 2024, this initial client soon referred me to another, and within months, I found myself with a growing client list. By June, I recognized that I had inadvertently built a small business, prompting me to draft a business plan.

This was particularly surprising because it coincided with my husband’s return home in April 2024. right as we were navigating the logistics of his last military assignment or “twilight tour.” We were busy with a household move, vehicle retrieval, a mini-vacation, and settling into a new community. 

As the year progressed, I contemplated expanding my client base further. However, by November, client two made yet another referral, bringing client six into the fold, which pushed my work to nearly full-time by year’s end.

Here’s a glimpse of the incredible businesses I’m passionate about and privileged to support:

• Beacon 4Sight Group: Dedicated to empowering nonprofits with innovative strategies, efficient operations, and airtight compliance, driving them toward long-term sustainability. The team is committed to helping organizations launch impactful nonprofits. Connect with the team to start your nonprofit today!
• Empower Youth Fund: Dedicated to supporting the aspirations of underserved youth, ages 7-18,  by providing access to resources that enhance their athletic, academic, and life skills. We aim to foster confidence, self-esteem, and personal development through equitable opportunities that allow young people to realize their full potential. Consider donating to contribute to programs that will transform potential into dreams for young athletes.
• Improv My Sales: We believe in challenging leaders to foster Psychological Safety across their teams and helping salespeople have the mindset and skillset to Speak Le$$ & Sell More! Improv My Sales is ready to help you and your team(s). Marc Levine
• Extreme Adventures: Provides healing through outdoor experiences for Veterans and their families. On April 5th, Extreme Adventures is hosting the first of three shooting competitions honoring fallen soldiers in North Carolina. To donate or register for the competition visit the competition website here: https://goldstarproam.org/ Dr. Toby Prudhomme, DBA, MBA
• Maui Community Foundation empowers Maui’s community by supporting individuals eager to start nonprofits, especially after the Lahaina fire. Passionate about addressing local needs, we offer fiduciary services, launch support, and capacity-building consulting to help grow your nonprofit goals with impact. Reach out to explore how we can support your vision.
• Clearpath EPM: A technology and consulting firm that helps domestic and international schools, businesses, events, and places of worship build and maintain robust emergency preparedness, risk, and safety programs. If your organization is looking to update or needs an emergency plan, this is the team to help.

Each client has not only provided me with work but has also enriched my professional journey through the unique challenges and opportunities they present. Thank you for this incredible journey!

Originally published on LinkedIn on February 10, 2025. [Read it here]