Over the last decade, I’ve had the chance to speak at all kinds of events—from mothers’ groups to church gatherings—and I’ve always loved it. It’s a chance to share my story, talk about my passion for caregivers, and sneak in a few jokes while I’m at it. But yesterday was different. I stood in front of a room full of business professionals, not representing Cocktails & Caregivers, but speaking at the request of our CEO and on behalf of the company that gave me a career at Business Furniture.

To say I was nervous is an understatement. Imposter syndrome crept in fast, I know how to tell the widow story, the heavy parts but this time had to be different. I had to dig deep and really reflect on how I got here.

Just last week, I celebrated six years at Business Furniture, a place that’s challenged me, celebrated me, and introduced me to lifelong friends. If I could’ve looked into a crystal ball and seen how much my life would change over the last decade, I’d go back and tell 2019 Amanda to hang on tight because everything was about to shift.

Six years ago, my story looked very different.

I was unemployed, drowning in debt, a single mom, and a widow. I’d been living my dream as a TV news reporter in Florida when my young husband was diagnosed with colon cancer—and suddenly, everything I knew about life flipped upside down.

In that moment, I stopped being the main character in my own story. Grief took over. I left my career to care for my husband and daughter, stumbling through the days, believing the whispers I heard, “oh, that poor girl.” My story had fallen apart, and I felt broken.

Then one day, I looked at my daughter and thought, this can’t be how our story ends.

So, I turned to what I knew best—the journalist in me—and launched a full rebrand on my life. It started with changing my story. I wasn’t unemployed; I was searching for my next big opportunity. I wasn’t a single mom; I was a solo mom, standing strong, front and center.

And the word widow that once felt heavy? I decided to own it. I started speaking, at churches, mom groups, cancer support meetings, anywhere someone would listen. I shook hands even when my voice shook. The more I believed my own words, the more others did too.

At one of those talks, I met my now-boss, Mary Beth Oakes. She asked what I thought about furniture. Aside from liking to sit in it, I told her I didn’t know much but I did know storytelling. How to capture impact, connection, and the spaces where people thrive. Fake it till you make it might just be my first tattoo.

Six years later, I’m still telling stories at Business Furniture—now as Vice President. I’ve bought my first home, remarried an amazing man, welcomed a second daughter, and built a nonprofit that supports caregivers, just like I once was.

The story you tell yourself becomes your truth, your MINDSET.

And when you walk into a room like this one, you never know which handshake might help you write your next chapter.