At the height of my career, I made a decision that seemed, to some, incomprehensible. I left a thriving company—a business I had poured years of hard work, sleepless nights, and relentless effort into. It was on the rise, gaining traction, and by all accounts, I was succeeding. But the truth was, I wasn’t thriving.

I was surrounded by brilliant, driven people—some of the best minds in tech. Yet, I often felt like I was in a room where I didn’t belong. It wasn’t because I wasn’t capable; I was. I had co-founded companies that reached millions and worked with industry giants. But deep down, I felt less than because I lacked something essential: passion.

That lack of passion gnawed at me. I would sit in meetings and wonder, “Is this it? Is this what I’m meant to do?” The answer kept coming back as a resounding no.

The Turning Point

What pushed me to take the leap wasn’t just this internal turmoil—it was mom guilt. I had two young kids at home who needed me, and I wasn’t fully present. I was working hard, constantly checking my phone. I told myself I was doing it for them, but in truth, I was missing out on their lives.

So, I took a leap of faith. I canceled their after-school care and reshaped my days to be around them. I started picking them up from school, helping with homework, driving to soccer practice, and simply being there. These afternoons became sacred, filled with moments of connection that I had been missing.

At the same time, I gave myself permission to explore what truly made me happy. I went to therapy to unpack the weight of burnout and the identity crisis that comes with leaving a successful career. I gave myself space to dream again.

A Year of Rediscovery

That year was messy, beautiful, and transformational. I spent hours journaling, thinking, and debating what could come next. At one point, I was deeply drawn to psychology. I had always been fascinated by how the mind works, how people connect, and how emotions shape us. But a second degree felt like too big a hurdle.

Fashion kept whispering to me. It was always in the background—a love for design, for creating, for telling stories through what we wear. My Italian and Brazilian heritage suddenly felt like the perfect intersection to build something meaningful. Italy gave me the connection to craftsmanship, luxury, and heritage. Brazil inspired vibrancy, creativity, and boldness. And I could bring it all together with my tech background.

Building Something That Sparkles

So, I set out to create ZIPPERLY, a fashion brand that bridges cultures, celebrates individuality, and tells stories through luxury handbags and accessories. I designed a business where I could use everything I had learned in tech—coding, systems, scalability—while building something deeply personal.

I became the tech department of my company, saving costs and gaining full control over our systems. I poured my heart into design, connecting with artisans in Italy and Brazil who brought my ideas to life. The result wasn’t just a business—it was the spark I had been searching for.

The Lessons I Learned

For anyone feeling stuck in a successful yet unfulfilling career, here’s what I’d tell you:

1. Passion is worth the risk. It’s terrifying to leave behind something stable, but you’ll never regret pursuing what lights you up.

2. Time is the greatest gift you can give your kids—and yourself. Being present with my children during that year not only healed my mom guilt but also strengthened our bond in ways I can’t describe.

3. Your skills are never wasted. Even if you change industries, everything you’ve learned will find a way to serve you.

Today, I wake up excited about what I’m building. I’m no longer measuring my success by external achievements but by how alive I feel. And I finally feel alive.

If you’re in your 40s and wondering if it’s too late to start over, I’m here to tell you it’s not. It’s the perfect time to take a step back, reevaluate, and decide what truly matters. Because life is too short to settle for less than what sparkles.

What Sparkles for You?

I’d love to hear from you: Are you in a similar place, questioning what’s next? Or have you taken a leap of faith to chase your dreams? Let’s talk in the comments.