Rachel - Return to Authenticity: Women for Women
Return to Authenticity: My Story
My professional path has been anything but linear - from early childhood education to human resources to owner and leadership of a creative technology agency. It’s a colourful journey, but the real story begins far earlier.
I was born into a world that, at times, felt harsh. Early losses left me feeling abandoned and often confused without the steady hands we may expect to guide a child. And yet, already then, I somehow knew I was provided for. Life, in its mysterious way, never let go of me. I felt held, not always by people (I'd like to mention here that I'm not short of having met many earth angels, though), but by something greater. A quiet beauty whispered: Nothing is truly yours.
Fast forward, in my mid-thirties I found love, a deep, beautiful romantic love, and we were blessed with two incredible children. Just when I thought life couldn’t be more generous, it reminded me again of its impermanence. My husband passed away suddenly overnight, leaving me a young widow with two little ones. It was a gift I never asked for, and yet, through the heartbreak, countless blessings revealed themselves. Grief cracked me open (and still does), and through those cracks, the light comes flooding in.
This life has taught me to flow with change, to release attachments, and to ask: If none of this is truly mine - who am I, really?
Out of these cycles, Return to Authenticity was born - a community shaped by my own healing, learning, and exploration. Spiritual practice, bodywork, gratitude, mindfulness, and embodiment are woven into my everyday life. I can be sad, broken even - and still see the beauty of the day.
I hold space as a calm, compassionate, and non-judgmental presence. I believe deeply that each of us is doing our best with the tools we have. And I believe even more strongly in a world led by caring, bold, honest women—leaders who empower themselves and others simply by being real.
As an Austrian country girl living in London with my late Italian husband, my mornings still reflect our wonderfully mixed-up life. Yes, I love pizza for breakfast - but somehow, a spicy salad usually sneaks its way in. My tastebuds are confused early risers with a sense of humour, something he never quite understood, and it always made us laugh.
I’m so grateful to be on this path. If my story resonates with you, I’d be honoured to connect. Let’s co-create a space filled with love, empathy, and courage - a haven where women return to their truth and rise, together.