14/10/2025
At 18, Rachel Mesward Pugia moved out of her parent’s home while still a senior in high school. Knowing she had to do whatever it took to provide for herself with nobody there to help was a scary thought. She knew that hard work and perseverance would be the only way to approach the beginning of her adult life.
Rachel recalls that when the time came for her to “leave the nest” (as she put it to them), they were a little surprised. “I don’t think they realized that the 12 years I was with them, they were ultimately teaching me how to eventually leave them. Even though they were surprised, I know that our relationship was more than business. Just like they would be for their own kids, they were happy for me to grow and spread my wings! To this day, they are my mentors, and I am so grateful for the path they provided me.”
Rachel continued, “I do remember being scared to make that leap of faith and jump from a W-2 paycheck that was guaranteed to all commission with only myself to count on. I asked my dad, ‘What if I fail?’ and he asked me back, ‘What is the worst thing that could happen?’ My answer was, ‘I could lose the roof over my kids’ head… which is job #1 to me.’ He assured me if that happened, my kids and I could move in with him. With that safety net, I was comfortable taking the leap!” Rachel relied on hard work and perseverance to tackle her new venture, and she asserts with confidence that it has served her well!
Photography by: CasaBay Photography
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