What’s your business name and what do you do?
Awen Recovery - I’m the CEO and Founder of an online membership platform providing support to the loved ones of addicts.
How did you learn your craft?
I received my Executive MBA in 2018 and knew I wanted to start my own company. I started my company as an impacted loved one myself. When my sister got into recovery 9 years ago, I set out to learn all I could about addiction. I am now a counselor, coach and entrepreneur, using my lived experience to help others.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I enjoy sharing my experiences with clients who feel most alone in this. It’s a normal part of being impacted by a loved one’s addiction and being able to relate and share things that resonate with clients is really rewarding. I also love the creative aspect of building something that doesn’t exist yet.
What do you enjoy least?
Entrepreneurship is sometimes really lonely. As a woman, I also don’t love that I have to prove myself way more than I perceive men starting companies have to.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about your work?
I still struggle to articulate and have others understand how scalable and impactful a business like this could be.
What’s one artist you look up to?
I also have a background in Fine Arts so aesthetics and brand mean so much to me. I love Hope Gangloff.
What do you do when you’re not at Awen?
I’m out training for marathons with my dog and friend Bridget, power lifting with my friend Allie, I’m supporting my recovery community at the PRCC and beyond, and working PT at Oxbow on the weekends! Painting when I can in my home office/studio. And eating. Always eating.
Night owl or early bird?
Early bird
What's your favorite place in Maine?
I went to the Lost Kitchen this year. I died.