When we hear stories about wealth, we often envision a life of luxury, free of difficulty. However, beneath society’s assumptions of inheritance there are stories of struggle, determination, and personal growth. Take Wellth Works client Sarah, for example, who transformed from the “Black Sheep” in her family, to a respected leader through her participation in our ASCEND program.
Sarah’s early years were shaped by her liberal beliefs, which contrasted with the values of her conservative, upper middle class family. As an artist who yearned for self expression, she often felt like an outsider — especially when her family acquired wealth during her late teenage years.
Sarah’s parents made the decision to stop financially supporting her after she completed her education, which granted her a sense of independence. This newfound autonomy allowed her to pursue her dreams without familial pressure. In 2020, despite her family’s reservations and the looming pandemic, Sarah launched a small business.
Just as Sarah was starting to find her rhythm, juggling the challenges of her startup and the weight of a $20k loan, her world shifted with a phone call from her parents. Her mother was sick, and Sarah would have to take over managing the multimillion dollar family foundation.
The weight of her newfound responsibilities was immense. Sarah found herself navigating the complexities of wealth management and family dynamics. Traditional therapy couldn’t fully address the array of challenges she faced. Thankfully Sarah had a family advisor who noticed Sarah’s suffering and reached out. This is where Wellth Works stepped in.
Our comprehensive approach with Sarah went beyond managing money and businesses, it prioritized her mental well being and creating a future she could live into. “Having them there to help me get what I wanted and not let my values suffer and my health suffer has been huge,” Sarah reflected.
Over the next two years, Sarah embarked on a life changing journey. We helped her create a passive income source, giving her the flexibility to be present for her mother, her business, and most importantly, herself. Plus, we helped her uncover the skills to engage in family business negotiations that resulted in recognition and fair compensation for her contributions.
Sarah’s story isn’t just about navigating unexpected responsibility — it’s about finding empowerment within herself. Once considered the Black Sheep among her family, she now stands tall, commanding the respect she rightly deserves. Sarah no longer stays in the shadows, hoping for acknowledgment of her efforts. Instead, she actively advocates for herself, reshaping the dynamics within her family system.
Sarah became an invaluable member of her family, defying expectations and embodying the role of the “Dark Horse” — someone who’s underestimated, but proves their worth against all odds. Now, she holds a position of influence and respect as a leader who uses her talents to support the causes she cares about.
This new chapter allowed Sarah to combine her love for art with the skills she acquired while managing her family’s charitable work. As a result, she found a balance between her personal and professional lives. Today, as Sarah looks to the future, she does so with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence in making decisions on her own terms.
Sarah’s story highlights the importance of seeking the right guidance, believing in oneself, and taking control of our narratives despite the challenges we may face. With the support and guidance of Wellth Works, Sarah not only navigated challenges, but built an authentic life true to her purpose and values.