The Journey Behind Orange RUBIE: From Struggles to Strength

Starting Orange RUBIE Life Style was always part of my original plan—just not the name nor the specifics. It’s been a journey—one filled with unexpected twists and some dark moments. But it’s also been the most transformative experience of my life. I want to share the beginning of this journey because I know, somewhere out there, someone reading this is going through something similar. You might feel alone, lost, or stuck—but know that you’re not.

The road to Orange RUBIE wasn’t just about building a business; it was about rebuilding myself.

Three months ago, I made the decision to leave my job and step into the unknown. I was tired—tired of the corporate grind, tired of playing it safe, tired of feeling like there was more to life than just surviving. It wasn’t an easy decision, but deep down, I knew it was the right one. And the universe seemed to be in alignment, pushing me forward… until life threw a curveball.

In a matter of months, everything started to fall apart. I lost my home. It felt like my entire foundation was crumbling beneath me. To make matters worse, my car broke down—completely blew up, actually—and that left me feeling stranded, both literally and figuratively.

But what hit me the hardest was the silence. I went through a period of deep depression, and I found myself isolated in a way I hadn’t been before. Empty nest syndrome hit me harder than I could have imagined. My children were growing up, and I was left alone to face my own emotional struggles, with no real family to lean on.

It was one of the darkest times of my life. I remember feeling like there was no way out. But then, my best friend Zee did something that ultimately saved me. She encouraged me to check into the mental hospital. At the time, I was reluctant and ashamed, but it was exactly what I needed. It was in that space—surrounded by people who understood pain—that I started to find myself again.

It’s hard to talk about those times, but I share this now because I want you to understand something: I get it. I’ve been through it. The isolation, the hopelessness, the struggle to rebuild. I’m not just offering advice from an academic standpoint. I’m offering it because I’ve lived it, and I’ve come out the other side stronger.

That’s why I created Orange RUBIE. It’s not just a business for me—it’s a mission. A mission to help others who are struggling, who feel disconnected, who long for a sense of unity and fulfillment in their lives. I want to remind you that you are worthy, you are capable, and you don’t have to do it alone.

This time of year, especially, can be tough for so many. The holidays bring pressure to be happy, to be surrounded by family, to have it all together. But for many of us, it’s a time that brings up feelings of loneliness, loss, and even guilt. If you’re feeling down, if you’re struggling, know that you’re not the only one. It’s okay not to feel okay.

I’m here to tell you that no matter where you are in your journey, you can rebuild. You can find your purpose. You can find your people. You don’t have to stay stuck in that dark place. Just like I had to rebuild from the ground up, you can too.

Orange RUBIE is about empowerment, inclusivity, and personal fulfillment. It’s about finding the courage to take the first step—even when everything feels uncertain. If I can go from losing everything to building something meaningful, I know you can too.

The holidays might be tough, but let this be a reminder that your story isn’t over yet. It’s never too late to start again. You are worthy of love, success, and fulfillment—no matter what you’re going through right now. Let’s walk through it together.

Wishing you peace, love, and light this holiday season. You’ve got this.

—Courtney