How 1% Changes Transformed My Life
Two years ago today, I took a leap that changed everything.
I walked into my advertising agency, heart racing, and resigned from a job, well, an advertising career, I’d poured decades into. I had no full-time job lined up, no neatly mapped-out plan. For someone who thrives on structure and clarity, it was the most counterintuitive move I could imagine. But it was also the clearest business decision my heart had ever made.
I was leaving to follow a calling—to give back, to be part of my community, to spend every day doing “heart work”. To honor this milestone, I am sharing a story I’ve wanted to tell about the day I resigned— and what’s unfolded since.
The Day It All Changed
That day, January 10th, was my daughter Vivian’s 6th birthday. (Happy 8th today, Viv!) Emotions were high, and as I picked her up from school, I decided to share the news.
“Vivian,” I said, “I’m not going to be working with Lexus anymore.”
She looked at me through the rearview mirror, her big, curious eyes full of questions. “Why, Mommy?”
I paused, searching for words that made sense to a 6-year-old. “Well,” I said, “I’m not exactly sure what’s next, but I know I want to help people every day. So I need to spend some time to figure it out.” She spent a few more seconds looking out the window.
And then, her response floored me:
“Oh, like how you keep a box of granola bars in your car for people who don’t have any food?”
You might think, ‘She’s 6 and just tired or distracted,’ but no.
She saw me. She understood, in her own way, what I was trying to do. My small actions—keeping snacks in the car for those in need, showing kindness in quiet ways—had left an impression.
Vivian unknowingly reminded me of something I’d presented at my agency years before: the power of 1%.
The 1% Rule in Action
In 2020, I presented to a group of Leadership Partners at my agency and talked about James Clear’s Atomic Habits. I shared how small, consistent actions—just 1% improvements—could compound into life-changing results. I had no idea then that I was speaking my own future into existence.
For years, I’d been practicing the 1% rule without realizing it. Those granola bars in my car were a 1%. So was every coffee meet-up, reconnection, and saying yes to opportunities that aligned with my heart instead of my résumé. Each small step added up, leading me to the life I’m living now—a life rooted in meaning and purpose.
The Past Two Years
What have I accomplished in the past two years?
Landed my first consulting project within days of resigning.
Signed three clients within months, including Sunny
Meaningfully reconnected with dozens of former colleagues, sparking introductions into the mission-driven space. My dear friend, Dottie Smith, was also cheering me on and making intros right and left!
Invested in myself by working with Elizabeth Rosenberg at The Good Advice Company to articulate my personal brand and truly embrace my spiritual side and authentic self.
Unlocked personal growth like I never imagined, by leaning into both the work with Elizabeth and from my executive coaching with Irene Ortiz-Glass, both women whom have become mentors and friends.
Launched Nectar for Good into the world with creative help from my dear friend and talented art director, Conal Love.
Became a volunteer liaison for United to Learn where I’ve supported, and fallen in love!! with, a DISD school, Paul L. Dunbar Learning Center and my Principal Alpher Garrett-Jones.
Created Sunshine Carts and partnered with Young Men’s Service League on a campus transformation for Dunbar, bringing joy and connection to staff and students alike.
Unplugged for two weeks during a family trip to Italy.
Unwound and spiritually reconnected at Miraval Resort with my girlfriends while simultaneously processing loss and life changes among us.
Proudly accepted and transitioned into a full-time role as Chief Marketing Officer for Sunny, as we launch transformative consumer and workplace products to improve lives and transform the social-wellbeing space.
Embraced my inner-story teller, launching the A Glittering blog and Substack, as I rose from post-concussion recovery, with creative fire power and the audacity to own the calling to ‘CREATE,’ something that previously felt scary and inferior.
Leaned into my structural super-power of checklists, joyfully creating and sharing them as part of a new A Glittering Etsy Shop.
The Ripple Effect
When I reflect on that leap two years ago, I see how far the ripples of that decision have spread. My work with Sunny is more fulfilling than I ever dreamed. My children see me as someone who leads with her heart and takes brave steps toward purpose. And I’ve come to realize that the big leaps we take aren’t isolated events. They’re the sum of the small actions we’ve taken every day leading up to them.
The beauty of 1% is that it’s always within reach. Whether it’s helping someone in need, teaching our kids by example, or sharing a game-changing checklist, each step matters.
And the most exciting part? If 1% took me here, I can only imagine where the next 1% will take me.
I am so appreciative of the beautiful tapestry of my life and how my personal mission weaves with the Sunny mission, and bleeds into every fiber of my being. It inspires me to be a better mom, leader, and human—sharing stories that give others the courage to tell theirs, fostering meaningful social connection, and working toward lasting change.
What’s Your 1%?
As I celebrate the anniversary of my leap, I want to encourage you to think about yours. What small step can you take today to move closer to the life you want?
It doesn’t have to be big—just one granola bar, one kind act, or one decision to trust your heart.
Because over time, those 1%s add up. They become the moments, the lessons, and the leaps that define our lives.
#ChangeMaker #AtomicHabits #1PercentBetter #LeapOfFaith #HeartWork