From Breakdown to Breakthrough: How a Late-Night Cry and a Leap of Faith Launched My Business

By Rachel Roach | CEO of Crown of Glory Solutions
For the woman standing at the edge of “what if” and “what now”

It started with tears on the edge of my bed.

June 2022. I had just closed the door on my 14th year in the classroom.

I was 7.5 months pregnant with my son, exhausted from the physical toll of teaching and pregnancy—and emotionally drained from carrying the invisible weight of transition. I was a music educator, a worship leader, a wife, and a mom… but I was also deeply unsure of what came next.

I had always dreamed of being a teacher.
I had the degrees, the training, the passion.
But suddenly, it no longer felt like my assignment.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
— Proverbs 16:9

The unexpected post that changed everything

One night, I was scrolling—numb and tired—and stumbled across a post from a college friend, Becca. She was also a music teacher, also a mom of two, but somehow… she was also building a business from home.

I stared at that post like it was a lifeline.
What was she doing?
Could I do it too?

So I messaged her. And that conversation? It opened a door I didn’t even know existed.

God used another mom to show me what was possible

Becca told me about a 30-hour entrepreneurship course created by a former teacher—another mom who knew what it meant to want to stay home and still support her family financially.

The course covered everything from social media management to podcast editing to virtual assistance. It sounded amazing… and honestly, too good to be true.

I sat on the edge of my bed that night, crying. The idea of investing in something like this felt scary. It was a stretch financially. It felt risky.

But also? It felt holy.

My husband and I prayed, and he gave me the greenlight.

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

From skepticism to surrender

I enrolled in the course and completed all 30 hours in a week and a half—only because my husband, also a teacher on summer break, lovingly took our toddler to the park, outside, anywhere he could so I could chase something I didn’t fully understand yet.

On July 1, 2022, I officially launched Crown of Glory Solutions.

I had no idea what would happen.
But I knew one thing: I had to try.

And then came the client that changed everything

Just one week later, a past colleague of mine referred my name to someone in a Facebook group looking for a virtual assistant. I hopped on a discovery call with him, completely honest about being 7.5 months pregnant and totally new to the business world.

He didn’t flinch. In fact, he celebrated it.

That man became my first client.

He trusted me. Encouraged me. Gave me flexibility and space to learn.

And almost three years later, I still work with him.
He believed in me before I believed in myself.

Looking back now, I see God’s fingerprints all over it

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

That summer was the beginning of my breakthrough.

I went from being terrified to being called.
From wondering if I could do this, to watching God do what only He could do.

Today, I serve seven incredible clients. I’m home with my children. I no longer have to choose between provision and presence. And I get to bring my faith into every corner of my workday.

No sub plans.
No classroom chaos.
Just obedience—and grace—for this season I never saw coming.

If you’re standing at your own edge…

Maybe you’re where I was—on the brink of something new and scary, wondering if what you’re feeling is just fear… or the Holy Spirit inviting you into something different.

Let me remind you:

You’re not lost.
You’re being led.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6

He knows what He’s doing.
And He’s not just writing a good story—He’s walking it with you.

P.S. I’m still blown away that it all started with a late-night scroll and a holy nudge. God is so faithful.