He Dropped Down on One Knee and Asked Me to Marry him!

As I reflect on my journey, I can't help but marvel at how far I've come from that small bedroom where Growth Engineering was born 20 years ago. Starting an ed-tech SaaS company as a woman with young children was no easy feat. The long nights, the constant juggling of responsibilities, and the uphill battle to be taken seriously in a male-dominated industry seem like a lifetime ago.

My first marriage crumbled under the weight of my ambitions and the demands of building a business. I thought I'd never marry again. How could I? I was too independent, too focused, too...much. The idea of opening my heart again seemed impossible. Trust? That felt like a luxury I couldn't afford.

But life has a funny way of surprising you. After years of pouring everything into my company and watching it grow and thrive, I met someone. He was kind and patient and understood my drive in a way I never expected. For eight years, we built a relationship alongside my business. And then, just last week, something magical happened.

He had planned a wonderful holiday to Zanzibar - a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. On the last day, exactly eight years to the day we first met, he dropped down on one knee on a pristine beach and asked me to marry him. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of pink and orange, the waves gently lapping at the shore - it was like a scene from a movie. I was utterly taken aback by how romantic and thoughtful the whole thing was. At that moment, I felt like a giddy schoolgirl again, butterflies dancing in my stomach.

It's strange to shift gears and allow myself to focus on love and romance after so many years of relentless work. But oh, how truly lovely it is. I'm realising now, in my fifties, just how vital it is to have love and adventures outside of the office. Finding the right person to share your time with is like discovering a wellspring of energy and spirit that carries over into every aspect of your life, including work.

I never made a relationship a priority. My company, my children, and my own growth always came first. But now that I have this deep, loving partnership, I understand it's the bedrock of a different kind of happiness. Having a special person to share life's adventures with gives you wings. It helps you soar above the day-to-day pressures, trials, and tribulations of owning and running a business.

I am excitedly planning our wedding, feeling giddy at the prospect of our future together. It's a new kind of challenge - one filled with joy, laughter, and love. The idea of building a life together, combining our dreams and aspirations, fills me with an excitement I haven't felt in years.

To anyone out there who thinks they're too busy, too focused, or too hurt to find love again - I see you. I was you. But I'm here to tell you that it's possible, and it's worth it. The right person won't dim your light or clip your wings. They'll help you fly higher than you ever thought possible.

I'm profoundly grateful for this chance at love, even if it came later in life. It's taught me that success isn't just about business metrics or industry accolades. It's about finding joy, sharing experiences, and having someone to lean on when the going gets tough.?

So here I am, a 52-year-old woman with a thriving company, an upcoming wedding, and a heart full of hope for the future. Life is an adventure, and I'm thankful to have found someone to share it with. To all the entrepreneurs out there - don't forget to nurture your personal life alongside your professional one. You never know what beautiful things might bloom when you open your heart to the possibility of love.

I wrote this to remind myself—and others—that success isn't just about professional achievements, but also about embracing love and personal happiness. After years of focusing solely on my business, I've realised that finding someone to share your life with can bring a whole new level of fulfillment, enriching every aspect of your journey.