EP 63: From Toxic Jobs to Creative Entrepreneur: Krista’s Path to Her Purpose
Hello, beautiful soul! 🌟 Welcome back to Breathe More. I’m so thrilled to have had the chance to sit down with a very special guest, someone who has not only been a part of my journey but has also embarked on a transformative journey of her own—Krista Valente. If you haven’t had the chance to watch us on YouTube, let me set the scene: we both rocked some fabulous hats because, well, Krista is a talented milliner. Her story is a testament to what’s possible when you combine creativity, courage, and a whole lot of breathwork.
When I first met Krista four years ago, she was in a very different place. She was navigating the challenges of a high-pressure corporate job, struggling with the same patterns that many of us find ourselves stuck in. But Krista was ready to make a change, and that’s where her journey of self-discovery began.
The Beginning of a Transformation
Krista and I first crossed paths at a meditation workshop in Venice, California, pre-COVID. I remember the energy in the room and how she felt drawn to breathwork, a practice that would become a cornerstone of her transformation. She attended our community gatherings during the pandemic, where we created a safe space for everyone to process their emotions—a time Krista recalls sitting on her bed, crying, and processing what she had suppressed for years.
This emotional release was the first step in her journey. As she worked through the layers of unconscious programming, we began to uncover the root causes of her struggles. Krista bravely faced her anxieties, her patterns of overworking, and her need for external validation. It was in these moments of deep inner work that she started laying the foundation for a new life.
Navigating the Corporate World with Intention
Krista’s experience in the corporate world is something many of us can relate to. She found herself manifesting the same toxic work environments, despite changing jobs. This is a pattern I’ve seen with many clients—thinking that a new job will solve all their problems, only to find themselves in similar situations. Together, we dug deeper to understand the unconscious programming at play.
Through the Dream Bigger Mastermind and one-on-one sessions, Krista began to see the patterns clearly. She realized that her inner child was showing up at work, overworking and over-delivering in an attempt to feel validated and loved. This was a major breakthrough for her, and it changed everything. She started setting boundaries, advocating for herself, and ultimately made the brave decision to leave a toxic work environment without a safety net.
And guess what? The universe rewarded her courage. Krista manifested a new job that not only respects and values her but also allows her the freedom to pursue her bigger dream—her hat company, Valente Hats.
The Birth of Valente Hats
Krista’s journey into hat-making is a beautiful story of creativity, passion, and confidence. After leaving her corporate job, she felt the need to do something creative, something that was just for her. She had always loved hats, but had no idea how to make them. So, on a trip to Europe, she took a workshop with a Parisian milliner, and that’s where Valente Hats was born.
But like many creative journeys, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Krista initially felt overwhelmed by the business side of things, which took the fun out of her creative process. She lost confidence and consistency for a while, but she never gave up. With the support of her partner and the Dream Bigger Mastermind community, she slowly found her way back to the joy of creating.
Reclaiming Confidence and Creativity
A pivotal moment in Krista’s journey came during our Summer Solstice event in Malibu. Through journaling and breathwork, she reconnected with her inner voice—her sassy, hype girl who reminded her to have fun, be confident, and just do her thing. From that moment on, everything changed. She started creating again, this time with a sense of playfulness and joy.
Krista’s confidence began to radiate, not just in her work but in her entire energy. She started showing up on social media, sharing her creations with the world, and fully embracing her talent. It’s been such a joy to watch her grow, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.
A Message for You
Krista’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to start something new, to follow a passion, or to create a life that truly lights you up. Whether it’s a creative project, a career change, or personal growth, the journey starts with taking that first step, even if you have no idea where it will lead.
So if you’ve been sitting on an idea, feeling unsure or scared, remember Krista. She didn’t know how to make hats when she started, but she followed her passion, and now she’s sharing her art with the world. And who knows? Your passion might just lead you to places you never imagined.
The next round of Dream Bigger Mastermind starts in September. If you’re interested in learning more about the program, join the waitlist and sign up for my FREE Workshop – Step Into Your Dreams.
Until next time, keep breathing, keep creating, and keep shining. You’ve got this.
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