From Burnout to Breakthrough: Why I Gave Up On My Dream Business (And Why I Came Back Stronger)
There’s a part of my story I haven’t always talked about.
In 2020, when the world shifted overnight, I gave up on my dream business.
I was hosting retreats, working with incredible clients, and doing the work I loved — and then, in what felt like a heartbeat, it all disappeared. The borders closed. My clients cancelled. And the spacious, soul-led business I had built suddenly didn’t exist anymore.
At first, I told myself to hold on.
"Things will bounce back soon."
"Just wait it out."
But days turned into months. And soon, I was stuck. Scared. Exhausted.
Convinced that maybe my business wasn’t meant to work after all.
So I made what felt like the “responsible” choice.
I accepted a permanent role as a Wellness Director at a centre here in Bali.
The title was impressive. The salary was stable.
From the outside, it looked like I had it all together.
But inside?
I felt completely lost.
The centre wasn’t aligned with my values.
I barely saw my son — I only had Sundays with him.
And everything I was doing… was for the money.
Meanwhile, my vision — my real dream — felt like it was fading away.
The Moment Everything Changed
In 2022, something unexpected happened.
I was offered a Managing Director role at a beautiful, high-end wellness resort.
Bigger title. Bigger paycheque. Seemingly a step up.
But when I received the offer, a voice inside whispered:
"Are you really going to keep building someone else’s dream?"
That was my moment.
The moment I chose me.
I turned down the offer.
I resigned from my job.
And I made the decision to go all in.
No more playing small.
No more second-guessing.
No more compromising my time, my values, or my son’s childhood for someone else’s bottom line.
What I Did Next (Even Though It Was Terrifying)
I decided to:
✔️ Show up fully as myself — even when it felt scary
✔️ Let go of perfection and focus on progress
✔️ Build a business with purpose — not just profit
✔️ Stop asking “What’s not working?” and start asking “How can I help more people?”
That last question changed everything.
Because when you lead from service, clarity starts to flow. Confidence builds. Clients find you.
But I won’t lie — it wasn’t instant. The first year was slow. There were days I wondered if I was even moving forward.
But I kept going.
I kept learning.
I invested in business coaches.
I kept showing up.
And today?
My business supports a lifestyle I only dreamed of.
It allows me to be present with my son every day.
It’s brought me clients, community, and impact beyond what I imagined.
If You're Standing at Your Own Crossroads…
I want you to know:
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
You don’t need a perfect plan.
You just need to decide to begin.
Building a business isn’t just about strategy. It’s about showing up, again and again, for what matters.
Your dream isn’t too far away.
You are not too late.
And yes — you are capable.
Ready to Build a Business That Feels Like You?
If you’re standing at a similar crossroads, wondering if you can really do this… You can.
And I’d love to show you how.
Master Your Business Blueprint is the program I created for women just like you — women with purpose, passion, and a message to share. Inside, we walk step-by-step through building a wellness business that is aligned, soulful, and sustainable.
This is your invitation to stop waiting… and start creating.
Because your next chapter is calling. And who knows what could happen once you say yes?
With love and belief in your dream,
Alka xxx