From the very beginning of my single parent journey, I knew I was on my own; that the cost of living and childcare exceeded my earning capacity and that I needed to do something drastic to support my family. My son's father refused to contribute to his child's upbringing, despite multiple court orders - so I moved in with my mom and worked 2 jobs while I planned my next move.

I was a musician, music teacher and pilates instructor. My life in Manhattan and dreams of performing were replaced with an obsession to financially support my family. So, I listened, watched and read everything I could - and never stopped.

Most nights, I would run on the treadmill and cry watching Robert Shiller’s Economics course on Open Yale as free was all I could afford. One night, Shiller said in one of his lectures:

My path was clear. I wanted to bring wealth, creativity and single parenthood together.

While working 2 jobs and raising my son, I worked towards a finance degree at the University of Toronto, earned the CFA designation and built a career as a financial analyst and trader. Those years are a complete blur.

Raising my son without support, working multiple jobs, and litigation my ex would commence in an effort to have me rescind his child support arrears (to get his license and passport back) took a serious toll on my health. There were days I couldn't move my limbs or open my eyes. 

The obsession I had for finance years earlier, pivoted to functional health. I hired osteopaths, functional health doctors, hypnotherapists, psychiatrists and therapists. I studied meditation, did cold water plunges daily, red light therapy, PEMF treatments, mistletoe injections and acupuncture. I read every book and study I could get my hands on. I knew that if I didn't have my health, I couldn't support my family.

I thought because I was supporting us financially, everything was ok. I realized that success as a single parent meant much more than just making enough money.

I kept thinking "what about 99% of the single parents who can't afford the services to keep them afloat?" We need support in areas of wealth, law, mental health, functional health (stress and hormones anyone?), help navigating through change and performance coaching. The irony is that none of these services are accessible because those who need them most, can't afford them.

This platform is my solution. I believe that every single parent should have access to the support systems they require to thrive - both at no cost and ultra-low-cost.