In this episode, I'm joined by two incredible women, Monica Varela, owner of The Brow Foundry in Old Pasadena, and Kalei Mahi, Chief Legacy Officer of NextGen Legacy NIL. Both of them took the leap from stability into the unknown, building businesses rooted in integrity, purpose, and a deep commitment to the people they serve.

Together, we talk about the truth behind betting on yourself, the pivots you don't expect, the boundaries you learn to hold, the imposter syndrome that creeps in, the intuition that guides you, and the courage it takes to walk away from the safety of an 8-to-5 to build something with your own name on it.

Monica and Kalei share what it's really like to be mothers, partners, and business owners while trying to create a life that honors their values. They speak honestly about fear, burnout, learning to ask for help, and the emotional stretch of navigating the early years of entrepreneurship. Their stories are powerful reminders that the leap isn't perfect but it is possible.

If you've been sitting on a dream, feeling the tug to do something different, or talking yourself out of taking the next step, this conversation is for you. My hope is that you hear something that reminds you that you're not behind, you're not alone, and you are absolutely allowed to choose yourself.

This episode is an invitation for the gifted, tired woman holding so much, the woman sitting on a dream she hasn't fully given herself permission to pursue, to trust her intuition, set boundaries that protect her peace, and remember that she's not behind… she's standing at the edge of her next pivot.

🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Key Takeaways

Taking the leap often starts with a quiet realization: "I can't keep living my life this way."
Boundaries around time, energy, and integrity are the backbone of a sustainable business and a grounded life.
Unlearning corporate conditioning (people-pleasing, over-functioning, equating worth with output) is essential to building a business that reflects who you are.
Asking for help is not a weakness; it's a practice of self-preservation that makes space for presence, purpose, and well-being.
Women supporting women, through referrals, encouragement, and honest conversation, expands what's possible for all of us.

About Monica Varela

Monica Varela is the owner of The Brow Foundry, a brow and beauty studio in Old Pasadena. A brow artist with over 14 years of experience, she's known for her naturally defined brow style and her ability to make clients feel seen, safe, and at ease the moment they sit in her chair. Monica built her business in the midst of the pandemic, relying on intuition, deep client relationships, and a commitment to creating a one-on-one space where people can relax, connect, and leave feeling like the best version of themselves.

🌐 Learn more about "The Brow Foundry Pasadena" 🔗 Connect with Monica on social media through @THE.BROW.FOUNDRY

About Kalei Mahi

Kalei Mahi is the Founder and Chief Legacy Officer of NextGen Legacy NIL, where she helps high school and college athletes and their families, navigate partnerships, contracts, financial literacy, and personal branding in the evolving NIL landscape. With more than 15 years of experience working with brands such as AT&T, The Coca-Cola Company, Sony, Lexus, and YouTube, and her background as a record-holding Division I swimmer, Kalei brings both expertise and empathy to her work. She teaches athletes how to protect their value, understand the business behind their opportunities, and make informed decisions that will serve them long after their playing careers end.

🌐 Learn more about NextGen Legacy NIL 🔗 Connect with Kalei and NextGen Legacy NIL Instagram: @nextgenlegacy_nil LinkedIn

About Dr. Debra Griffith

Dr. Debra Y. Griffith is an executive coach, consultant, and the voice behind the Do Better with Debra podcast. She currently serves as Chief Equity Programs Officer at Alliance College-Ready Public Schools in Los Angeles, where she leads network-wide equity strategy focused on college readiness, belonging, and postsecondary completion for more than 13,000 scholars across 25 schools. With over 25 years in education and leadership, Debra now supports women of color leaders navigating transition, carrying a lot, and still committed to leading transformative change, in their organizations and in their own lives.

🌐 Learn more about coaching and consulting at Do Better Executive Coaching 🔗 Connect with Debra on LinkedIn