Onbrand

At 41 years old, I still feel like a teenager at heart—especially when I’m front row at a 90s boyband concert, VIP pass in hand, reliving the music and memories that shaped me. Nostalgia isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s healing. Whether I’m at a Backstreet Boys show or a 90s convention, I find joy in reconnecting with the best parts of my childhood and bringing that positivity into my adult life.
But my story isn’t just about concerts and meet-and-greets. I’ve faced my share of hardships—trauma at different stages; between narcissistic abuse, sexual assault, religious trauma, the devastating loss of my mom 5 years ago, and now, navigating a painful divorce from the person I once considered my forever, I have had to learn how to be resilient. Losing my mom was a defining moment that split my life in two: before and after. She was my rock, my best friend, and the person who taught me that strength isn’t about avoiding pain—it’s about finding joy despite it. I recently found so much joy when I faced my biggest fear, being alone, and picked up my life after my divorce and moved from my home in New Jersey to Jacksonville, Florida for a fresh start. Since moving here 3 months ago, I have embraced my solitude and learned that it is there that I really found myself.
I wasn’t always that person. Anxiety ruled my life for years, but through loss, I’ve learned how to hold space for both grief and joy. I now live by the belief that while we can’t control the hardships life throws our way, we can absolutely choose to create more of the good. For me, that means dancing, cheering, soaking in all things 90s, and sharing my story in the hopes that it helps someone else feel less alone.