While this business is relatively new, it has been years in the making. IN order to tell you how it came to be, I must tell you my full story. 

In March of 2022 I walked away from a horrible, toxic marriage. I Left my entire life and everything I'd helped build, just so I could get out without a fight. At 42 years old, I started over in life, from scratch. I had nothing but my car, my dog and some clothes. 

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Because I had nowhere to go, and no one who could or would help me, I lived in a hotel for one very expensive month. There was a waiting list on rentals in and around my home town. Finally, after after four long weeks, I was able to move into a small rental. All I had was a lawn chair and an air mattress. I bought a few towels and some kitchenware to start. I had the very bare necessities. There was a wait 4-8 weeks long wait for all furniture due to supply chain issues. I had to make do, and I did.

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As of the time I am writing this, a year has passed. I thought by now I would have bought a home. But as you know, the housing market and economy took a turn. As a result, I am still in my little condo. It took months, but little by little I have furnished and decorated my little place. It's not home, but at least I have a comfortable place to lay my head at night.

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Over the course of this year, I have met countless women all in a similar predicament as myself. Women choosing to start over in life with nothing in order to leave an abusive or otherwise unhealthy marriage. It's an unbelievably unnerving and scary experience. It's mentally, emotionally, and physically grueling. One simply cannot fathom it unless they've experienced it for themselves.

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Most people have friends or family that can and will help them, even if it's just one person. But then there are others, such as myself, who literally have no one. We have to figure it all out on our own. Many of us risk homelessness in our journey. It's a sad fact that many women have to choose between their very life and homelessness. I will say, this year has been the hardest, but the most rewarding of my life. I have been building my life from the ground up, brick by brick, little by little, all on my own. It's hard enough for the young women just starting out in life. But imagine being in your forties, having already worked decades and having built a home. Then imagine leaving every single thing behind and having to redo ALL of that with little more than sheer will and determination. Like I said, one can't truly appreciate it unless they've done it. 

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A little more about me... My name is Tina. This boutique isn't my only business. I am a fiction author with four bestselling novels under my belt. I also am an artist and have been running an art shop since 2017. Those things have always been my passion, but now, I have a new cause. One that consumes my time and my mind. I feel a need to help women like me who are trying to get out of unhealthy and abusive situations but have no way out; nowhere to go and no one to help.

 

A portion of the profits from The Happy Divorcee will be donated to shelters and charities that help women like myself. To cover startup costs, I can only donate 10% for now. But the goal is to be able to contribute 50% or even ALL of the profits one day. I have big dreams of buying multi unit properties and providing furnished apartments free of charge to help women during their transition. But honestly, I'd be happy to even have one home or apartment to lend to someone in need. I know what it's like to need help and not have it.

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Anyway, this is turning into a novel so I will bring it to an end here. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about The Happy Divorcee. Most of all, thank you for your support! Even if you can't make a purchase at this time, I would be forever grateful if you would be willing to share about us on your social media. Help us support strong independent, happily divorced/single women everywhere!

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Signed,

The Happy Divorcee