We had the good fortune of connecting with Amaura Alcantara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amaura, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I started my own online business, it was definitely a journey shaped by my personal experiences and the desire for a better work-life balance. Like many people, I found myself in a cycle of burnout from the daily grind. I was constantly juggling work responsibilities and family commitments, and I realized how crucial it was for me to reclaim my time and energy.

The thought that kept surfacing was: why am I putting so much faith in external factors, like my job or traditional work environments, when I could believe in my own potential to create something meaningful for myself? This led me to explore the possibilities of building an online business that would allow me the flexibility to work from anywhere while still being present for my family.

I wanted a life where I could be my own boss, set my own hours, and truly prioritize what matters most to me. By creating an online business, I was able to channel my skills and passions into something that not only supports my family but also fulfills me personally.

It’s incredibly empowering to be part of a community of women who are on similar journeys, inspiring each other to push through challenges and celebrate our successes together. Knowing that I could help other moms or anyone feeling overwhelmed find a path to financial freedom and balance made the decision that much more meaningful for me.

Ultimately, turning my vision into reality was about trust—trusting in myself, my abilities, and the community I wanted to build. Now, I’m committed to helping others who share the same aspirations and dreams, proving that it’s possible to thrive amidst the chaos of life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been a nurse for 13 years, which has been an incredibly rewarding yet challenging journey. After experiencing a tremendous loss with the murder of my late fiancé, I made the tough decision to move from Miami to South Carolina to start over. I needed to find myself again and heal from the trauma I had experienced. During this time, I helped my family open and run a business called Flowerlina in Greenville, SC. This chapter allowed me to connect with my community and rediscover my passion for caring for others, even in a different capacity away from nursing.

In 2020, amid the pandemic, I returned to nursing. It was a challenging time for everyone, and I knew that my skills were needed to support patients during such an unprecedented crisis. I embraced the opportunity to serve, and it reignited my passion for healthcare. Shortly after that, in 2021, I became a first-time mom to twins, which brought both joy and a new set of challenges, including navigating postpartum recovery in my 30s. Juggling work and motherhood, I learned a lot about resilience, self-care, and the importance of community support.

What sets me apart from others is my unique blend of experiences. I’ve walked through deep personal struggles, and that has given me a profound understanding of compassion and empathy, which I bring to both my nursing career and my online business. I am proud of how far I’ve come and how I continue to thrive, finding ways to balance my roles as a nurse, a business owner, and a mother.

The journey hasn’t always been easy. Overcoming grief and adjusting to motherhood brought a multitude of challenges, but I learned the significance of believing in myself, seeking help, and leaning into community support. It’s crucial to surround yourself with positive influences, which I’ve been fortunate to have through my mentors, like Coach Beth and Jenna, who have inspired and guided me along the way.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay to take a step back to find yourself before you can fully give of yourself to others. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. I want the world to know that behind my brand and story is a woman who has faced adversity yet continues to rise and strive for success. I hope to inspire others to find their path, believe in their potential, and remember that it’s possible to create a life that is fulfilling and meaningful—no matter the obstacles we face.

My journey is a testament to resilience and the power of community, and I’m excited to share it with others who may find themselves on a similar path.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend from California was visiting Greenville, South Carolina, I’d be so excited to show them the incredible charm and beauty this area has to offer! Here’s a week-long itinerary that would ensure we have the best time ever:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown
– **Morning:** Start with a leisurely brunch at **Tupelo Honey**, known for its delicious Southern comfort food and warm atmosphere.
– **Afternoon:** After brunch, we’d stroll through **Falls Park on the Reedy**. The park features stunning waterfalls, beautiful gardens, and the iconic Liberty Bridge, where we can take some amazing photos.
– **Evening:** We’d wrap up the day with dinner at **Soby’s New South Cuisine**, a local favorite for its creative takes on Southern classics. Afterward, we could enjoy live music at one of the nearby bars, such as **The Peace Center**.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure
– **Morning:** Grab coffee at **Methodical Coffee** and then head to the **Swamp Rabbit Trail** for a morning bike ride. The trail offers scenic views and is great for exploring the area.
– **Afternoon:** Picnic lunch with fresh sandwiches from **The Whistle Stop Cafe** followed by an afternoon hike at **Paris Mountain State Park**.
– **Evening:** Dinner at **The Grey Eagle** in nearby Asheville if they’re up for a short drive, which is known for its vibrant music scene.

Day 3: Cultural Experience
– **Morning:** Visit the **Greenville County Museum of Art** to appreciate Southern art and, if there’s time, we could pop into the **Upcountry History Museum** to learn more about the area’s history.
– **Lunch:** Have lunch at **The Lost Cajun**, which offers an authentic taste of New Orleans.
– **Afternoon:** Explore **Main Street**, checking out the local shops and boutiques. We could also visit the **Saturday Market** (if it’s the weekend) for fresh produce and handcrafted goods.
– **Evening:** Dinner at **Halls Chophouse** for an upscale dining experience, followed by dessert at **Crepe du Jour** for delicious sweet and savory crepes.

Day 4: Day Trip to the Mountains
– **All day:** We could take a day trip to **Table Rock State Park** for a memorable hiking experience. We’d bring a packed lunch to enjoy at the peak with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
– **Dinner:** On the way back, we could stop at **The Cook’s Station** for some comfort food before heading back to Greenville.

Day 5: Family Fun Day
– **Morning:** If I had my kids with me, we’d visit the **Children’s Museum of the Upstate** for interactive exhibits.
– **Lunch:** Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at **Sticky Fingers BBQ**, known for its finger-licking ribs and sauces.
– **Afternoon:** Head to **Greenville Zoo** to see some amazing animals and let the kids play at the nearby park.
– **Evening:** Casual dinner at **Mellow Mushroom** for some delicious pizza followed by a movie night at the local theater.

Day 6: Relaxation and Self-Care
Morning:** Start with a relaxing day at a local spa, like **The Spa at West End**, for some well-deserved pampering.
Lunch:** Refuel with a light lunch at **Luna Rosa Gelato Cafe**, enjoying their homemade gelato.
Afternoon:** Spend the afternoon at **Cleveland Park** for a walk or simply to unwind in a beautiful setting.
Evening:** Dinner at **The Melting Pot** for a fun fondue experience.

Day 7: Farewell and Wind Down
Morning:** Have brunch at **Sunny Side Up**, a cozy spot known for its breakfast specialties.
Afternoon:** Visit the **Biltmore Estate** in Asheville to take in the incredible scenery and architecture before they head home.
Evening:** End the trip with a final dinner at **Nose Dive**, a laid-back gastropub that offers a great selection of craft beers and comforting dishes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to take a moment to give a heartfelt shoutout to two incredible women who have played a pivotal role in my journey: Coach Beth Carreon and my mentor Jenna Tabien.

Coach Beth has been an unwavering source of support and inspiration. Her guidance has not only helped me navigate the challenges of building my online business but has also empowered me to believe in myself and my potential. Her unique approach to coaching and her genuine enthusiasm for helping others achieve their dreams has made a profound impact on my life. I truly couldn’t have come this far without her encouragement!

And then there’s Jenna, my amazing mentor. Jenna’s wisdom and experience have been invaluable. She not only shares her knowledge generously but also continuously uplifts and motivates me to push beyond my limits. Her belief in my capabilities has been a driving force, helping me turn my vision into reality. I’m incredibly grateful for her mentorship and the community she’s fostered, which has connected me with like-minded individuals who share the same aspirations.

Both of these remarkable women deserve all the recognition for the roles they play in helping others succeed. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love, encouragement, and guidance. Thank you, Coach Beth and Jenna, for believing in me and for the invaluable support you’ve provided along this journey!

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