In 2007, with a twenty-thousand dollar inheritance from my grandmother, I started a line of girls clothing called TwirlyGirl. At the time, I was a successful television actor, having appeared numerous times on Friends, Seinfeld, ER, Will & Grace, Just Shoot Me, Suddenly Susan and countless other shows. But I was burned out on Hollywood, and wanted to do something more meaningful with my life. My intention was to create a business that would give children something I never had: a happy childhood memory. Because I was abused for six years, my childhood was taken from me. Thirteen years later, TwirlyGirl is a multi-million dollar business and is sold all over the world.
In 2019, Cathy Heller of Don’t Keep Your Day Job discovered TwirlyGirl and became a customer. After learning about my story, she invited me to speak first on her podcast then at her Dreamtopia event in Los Angeles. Since then, I’ve also spoken at Women of Strength in Arizona and have been asked back again for their March, 2020 event in Washington. I’m also scheduled to speak at Lead and Empower Her conference in San Diego, also in March 2020.
Over the years, I’ve been a guest on at least 50 different podcasts, and I also give a weekly Facebook Live discussion to our 80,000 fans. Past topics include: changing paths, overcoming trauma, using the past to heal the present, and developing a unique brand. I aim to be both inspirational and practical, offering concrete steps for people to take in order to make their own lives feel fulfilling.
I also speak about overcoming trauma. I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, and I started sharing my story on my company website in 2010. I took a giant risk in doing that, worrying that it might adversely affect my business. But I now realize that authentically sharing my story is a gift.
I believe many diverse audiences will enjoy learning from my story.