“Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” ― Abraham Lincoln
To kick off the new year, we are shining a light on our COO, Alison “Ali” Hernández. You may not hear from her often, but she’s very much in the forefront of what we do at Staff Shop. As you learned from our last blog, she’s the “Roy” to Jennifer’s “Walt Disney.”
She was recently honoured as one of WXN’s Top 100 Women in Canada! So, we thought it’s fitting to let her tell her own story to inspire other young entrepreneurs and business women. Let her story remind you that true strength and fulfillment comes from surrendering self-reliance and embracing faith, relationships, and a purpose greater than oneself.
Alison’s Story
I grew up with a loving family, good schools, and lots of encouragement. But life wasn’t without its challenges. Born blind in one eye, I navigated childhood feeling different, enduring the stares and whispers before technology offered a cosmetic solution. Debilitating kidney pain sidelined me for days at a time. Yet, I clung to the belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. In an effort to prove that I wasn’t less than anyone else, I clung to an identity I created for myself. Someone who always had the answer. Someone who was bold, smart, and didn’t need validation from anyone but myself.
This fierce independence, this need to prove I could do it all alone, led me to some misguided choices as I approached and entered my twenties. It’s amazing how many bad choices you can make when you assume that you already have all the answers and don’t bother to seek any guidance.
Driven by ambition and a desire to prove myself, I fell into a pattern of self-reliance, chasing fleeting happiness and pushing away the people who loved me most. I lived for myself, spent all my time and money on things that would make me look and feel happy and independent. I was living a selfish and destructive lifestyle outside of work, determined to project an image of success and self-sufficiency.
I kept getting promoted, climbing the ladder. But with each step, I felt a growing sense of emptiness. It was like I was on a treadmill, going through the motions but not actually getting anywhere. And eventually, the retail industry hit very hard times and started to crumble around me. I felt like I was on a sinking ship, my dreams of a fulfilling and impressive career slipping away. My façade as the happy, independent, go-getter looked fine from the outside. But on the inside it wasn’t such a pretty picture. As time wore on, I looked around and started to resent the situation I had created for myself. My pattern of not seeking help or advice from anyone and living for only myself had landed me in a toxic and abusive relationship and a career that looked more ominous by the day.
By God’s grace, I began to realize that my relentless pursuit of self-sufficiency was leading me down a dead end. Exhausted and broken, I turned back to my faith, my family, and my community. I learned that true strength comes not from within, but from above.
It was in this surrender that I found my path. Through connections forged in faith and community, I met my former boss, who opened the door to a new industry. And then, I met Jennifer, my incredible business partner. Together, we’ve built something beyond my wildest dreams. And along the way, I met the man I was meant to be with, my husband Marco who helped me to learn what an incredible joy it is to trade selfish independence for a true, loving partnership.
My journey has taught me that boldness isn’t about self-reliance or unwavering confidence. It’s about having the courage to let go, to trust in something bigger than yourself, and to allow your path to unfold. It’s about recognizing that true fulfillment comes from serving a purpose greater than your own.
So, to all the women striving to “Be Bold,” I offer this: Don’t be afraid to surrender. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to let go of the need to control everything. True boldness lies in recognizing your own limitations and seeking the guidance of something greater. Nobody has all the answers, and nobody makes it alone. Look upward, not inward. That’s where you’ll find your strength, your purpose, and your true north.
Hire Us
Did you know you can hire Jennifer Ménard-Shand (Founder & CEO) and Alison Hernández (COO) to speak on a variety of topics.
Topics include:
- The value in a “Walt & Roy Disney” Partnership – find yours!
- Core value alignment yields the highest ROI – especially when using The Core Values Index™
- Wellness is a business system supported by servant leadership.
- Empowering Entrepreneurs and Indigenous-Women-Led Businesses
- Multiplying leaders and legacies that make the world a better place.
Contact us today!
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” — Corrie Ten Boom
