Your Higher Self Journey Begins Here

There are moments in life that change you. Not just in passing, but in permanence. They leave a mark, an imprint, a knowing that something inside you has shifted forever. This is a story about one of those moments of stepping into a version of my highest self, and the one who started the journey.

Julie Tingley was a ray of sunshine, a lighthouse for women with a purpose. But, even deeper than that, Julie was a woman who knew how to create connections. She didn’t just organize rooms—she orchestrated transformation. She didn’t just invite you to show up—she called something forward in you that you didn’t even know was ready. And that’s exactly what she did for me.

It was the very first Know Women networking event I attended at the Fenway Hotel in Dunedin. I remember wearing a fun and sexy jumper, feeling good in my skin, energized by the other women in the room. Julie, in true Julie fashion, surprised us with a speaking opportunity. We were each to introduce ourselves and share a personal note inspired by a prompt pulled from a box.

The Unboxing of My Highest Self

She looked at me and said, “I want you to go first.”

And I said no. No way. I’m going last.

Then, after a few other women went, she looked over at me, gestured to go next and again I told her, “No.”

She continued to do so throughout the evening. Again and again, I responded, “Nope, I’m going last.”

Now, I had a strategy for going last. However, I hid behind it. The truth was, I was terrified. Terrified of being seen, of being in the spotlight, of speaking in front of others. I watched as each woman gave her pitch, some confidently sharing their accomplishments, others nervously rushing through. I kept thinking, I’ll go last. Let me go last.

Eventually, it was my turn.

And I told myself: If I’m going to do this, I’m going to do it my way.

I walked up to the podium, looked around the room, then met eyes with Julie. In a slightly rebellious and very nervous tone, “I’m a rebel, and therefore am going to start with answering a question from the box.” (something nobody else did) The room was dead silent as I pulled my question…“What’s your favorite meal you’ve ever prepared?” the small paper read.

Pausing momentarily and taking a deep breath, I told a story about my mother-in-law’s spaghetti sauce. How after years of asking, I finally received the recipe. Mine didn’t taste the same as hers, but I was proud.

Sharing this story was personal. It was real. And it cracked me open. I completely forgot why I was up there in the first place and just shared this story from my heart. I don’t even remember what I said; it just flowed, like it was channeled.

At the end, I added, “Oh, I’m a personal brand photographer who will help you stand out online,” and I walked off.

As I walked briskly back to my seat, I noticed that the applause was different and nearly everyone was looking at me and smiling.

I looked at Julie, and she smiled and nodded. And that moment… that look… said it all.

Afterward, woman after woman came up to me saying things like: “Your story was beautiful.” “You made me feel something.” “I love how you did it you’re own way.”

I connected with women I didn’t know before I made my pitch. That’s the secret sauce.

And connection was always Julie’s mission.

She gave me my first stage. She gave me my first real moment of being seen. She reminded me I was capable. And she showed me how to trust that my voice was enough.

I will treasure that memory for a lifetime.

Julie, thank you—for believing in me before I believed in myself. For nudging me when I wanted to hide. For reminding me that connection always comes before performance. For reminding me that I am good enough just as I am in every moment.

This is my tribute to you.

And this is only the first of many stages I am claiming.

The Result of Julie’s Lasting Impact

After a five-year journey of stepping into the highest version of myself—and building a soul-led business rooted in purpose, alignment, and intuition—I now guide other entrepreneurs to do the same.

If you’re ready to run your business your way, not the way you’ve been told you “should”…

✨ Join Aligned & Authentic: a transformational experience for entrepreneurs ready to lead with soul, embody their purpose, and own their unique path to success.

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You don’t have to do it the way everyone else is. You just have to do it in a way that feels like you. Let’s find your way forward, together.