From Makeup to Mindset: The Start of My Journey
When I started YouTube back in 2017, I approached it with a hobbyist mindset, fueled by my love for filming makeup tutorials, fashion content, and motivational talks to boost my own self-esteem. Fast forward eight years, and I look back at those old videos, realizing that younger me was yearning for something much bigger than winged liner and the perfect eyeshadow blend.
While I still enjoy doing my makeup and helping others achieve the “perfect” eye look, I’ve come to understand that what I truly craved went beyond aesthetics. I was searching for a creative outlet—something that allowed me to express myself while helping others find confidence and self-expression, too. At the same time, I was battling internal struggles with anxiety and depression, and in many ways, makeup became a “cover-up” for the mental anguish I was dealing with.
Hitting Rock Bottom: Jobless & Lost in 2017
In 2017, I was jobless and losing hope for my future. I had left the military two years prior with a plan to pursue a degree in the medical field, hoping to become a physical therapist. Instead, I found myself bouncing from one college and degree program to another, with no clear direction. I felt stuck, constantly questioning my abilities, desperate to gain momentum somewhere—anywhere. Every time I faced failure, I pivoted quickly, trying to avoid wasting time and money. But no matter what I did, I remained trapped in the same cycle, stuck in a feedback loop with no end in sight. That’s when I took a break from my studies and started filming YouTube videos.
Finding an Outlet: Why I Turned to YouTube
I know that might sound like a distraction, but my real reason for starting YouTube was self-improvement. I wanted to see myself on camera, identify where I lacked confidence, and develop my communication skills. I knew that by putting myself in a public space, I could track my personal growth in real time.
Like most people, my first videos were cringe-worthy to watch. But when I look back at young “Coco,” I remember exactly where she was mentally—especially compared to now. I wasn’t just struggling to find myself; I was navigating a new marriage, living in a new place, and feeling unsettled. It seemed like I was constantly making mistakes, with no clear path forward.
The Pivot: From Beauty to Cybersecurity
Through YouTube, I discovered my natural talent for technology. Even though I had originally pursued the medical field, I struggled with certain courses that didn’t align with my strengths. So, I made another pivot—this time into Information Technology—while continuing to create videos. That decision paid off. I completed my degree in just one year, graduating Summa Cum Laude. It may not have been from the most prestigious school, but combined with my military background, that degree helped me land my first cybersecurity analyst role, which later led to a consulting position. I had finally found my match.
Why I Had to Let Go of YouTube (Temporarily)
But once again, things changed when I entered corporate life. Being in client-facing roles, I had to step away from YouTube because maintaining a social media presence wasn’t considered professional at the time. Choosing between my career and my passion was one of the hardest decisions I had to make, but I knew that if I didn’t maintain balance, I would lose myself again.
That realization led me to revamp my blog, CocoGlows. I had built my website from scratch around the same time I started my YouTube channel, but I never did much with it because I assumed social media had taken over. I was wrong. Having a website alongside a social media presence is crucial. We’ve already seen this tested when platforms like TikTok faced shutdown threats.
Today, I’m grateful to have found the perfect balance—leveraging my tech skills in project management and consulting while nurturing my creativity through filming and editing lifestyle content on cooking, self-development, and wellness.
Full Circle: Why I’m Transitioning to Wellness Coaching
And this brings me full circle—back to wellness. I’ve always been passionate about finding ways to harmonize life’s stressors with wellness strategies. That passion was what originally led me to study physical therapy. While I wasn’t ready to pursue that path back in 2017, I’ve since realized there are many other ways to help people through physical activity and holistic wellness. That’s why I’m now working toward my yoga instructor certification—to help others achieve both physical fitness and mental clarity, just as I have in my own wellness journey.
Lessons Learned: How to Find Your Own Balance
I still enjoy makeup, but I’ve learned that true confidence isn’t about appearances—it’s about believing in your own abilities. It’s about knowing that you are enough. It’s about refusing to let external forces undermine your worth and instead finding the inner strength to move forward.
If you’re also searching for balance—trying to align what you love with financial success—I want you to know that it is possible. But it takes time, pivots, and a lot of inner work. Trust the process, have the audacity to keep going, and you will achieve the fulfillment you crave. ✨✨