What Makes You a Beautiful Disaster?
I lived through a horrible childhood and adulthood, but I came out on top and stronger than ever.

Why Do You Identify with the Beautiful Disaster Brand?
Your brand resonates with me because it has all the sayings that reflect who I am today. It gives me the self-respect and power I need to see that I’m not the person I once was.

Tell Us Your Beautiful Disaster Story:
I grew up in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, in a family filled with sexual, emotional, and physical abuse. It took everything in me every day to keep going.

Later, I met my first love, who turned out to be physically and emotionally abusive. I stayed with him for 11 years, but I eventually reached my breaking point. I had two kids, and they were watching it all happen. I couldn’t let that continue.

Two years after leaving him, I got married again. This time, my husband was emotionally and physically abusive to the point where I couldn’t even recognize myself in the mirror. He also introduced me to drugs, and I lost my kids. Losing them was devastating, and it turned me into a bitter, emotional wreck. I couldn’t stay in that relationship any longer than a year or so.

After leaving, I began working on getting myself clean and fighting to get my babies back. Then, one night, I met the man who is now my husband of 21 years. He has supported me 100% through everything and helps me when my past feels like it’s going to swallow me whole.

Today, I have three grandsons who make even my worst days brighter just by hearing their voices or seeing them. I’ve also been sober from alcohol and drugs for 21 years. I am so proud of myself for that accomplishment.

What Happened for You to Turn It Around?
Having my kids taken away was the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced, but they became my motivation to change.

Name Three Things You’ve Done to Move Closer to Happiness:

  1. Put the Lord first.
  2. Love myself.
  3. Remember that I am not alone.

What Is Your Favorite Beautiful Disaster Collection and Why?
The Rise collection is my favorite because when I rose, I became unstoppable.

Comments

Bobbie DelBosque said:

Karen, you are truly my motivation. While reading your story, I swore i was reading my own. We have very similar stories. The trauma in childhood, the abuse in relationships, our kids being taken due to an addiction (and yes that pain is devastating). The ONLY difference in our story is that I’m STILL struggling. I gave up and lost the hope I held on to when I got my 2yr old to the system last year. I moved out of state recently so i don’t know people here, i have insecurities, low self-esteem, no friends so I don’t go out and stay isolated. Which led to relapse. Your persistence led you to having a relationship with your grandkids and I admire that. I’m a grandma already as well and I’d like to have a relationship with my granddaughter one day. Thank you for sharing your story. It gave me hope and allowed me to see that it is possible to have another chance with family. 💜💕

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January 28, 2025