From Las Vegas, to Idaho, to Big Dreams: My Journey So Far
From Las Vegas, to Idaho, to Big Dreams: My Journey So Far…
Five years ago, in August 2020, my family and I packed up our things and made the move to Meridian, Idaho. I was excited, nervous, and not quite sure what the future held. What I did know was that I was ready for change, ready for growth, and ready to dive into the next chapter of my life with purpose.
In the beginning, I gave myself the gift of a break. A full year off to reset, recharge, reflect, and start again. That year reminded me of the importance of balance and gave me the clarity I needed for what was coming next. I chose to face parts of life that challenged me, shaped me, and sometimes tried to hold me back. But through it all, I learned how to navigate those chapters, accept them with grace, and a lot of self-compassion. Every experience, even the hard ones, taught me something valuable.
I’ve come out the other side not only more grounded but also more confident in who I am and what I bring to the table. I’m stronger, wiser, and more intentional with my time, energy, and dreams. This journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it, and it’s made me the woman I am today. I embrace it all.
In five years, I’ve done more than I ever thought possible. Bucket list stuff. Besides becoming more self-aware…
I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Career & Technical Education (CTE), and Family and Consumer Science, deepening my passion for teaching practical, life-enriching skills. Then, driven by a desire to grow as a leader, I went on to complete a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Human Resources…because why stop at one milestone, right?
Now, I’m opening my own business, again. A dream I started talking about when I moved here. This time, I have a different perspective, more self-actualization, and a few more years of life experience.
This new chapter is the most exciting one yet. It’s the perfect blend of all the things I love: creativity, community, education, baking, and a little bit of hustle. I'm channeling my energy and experience into something that I hope will bring joy and value to others. Meridian is growing quickly, and I’m proud to grow right alongside it. I see so much opportunity here, not just for business, but for building real connections. My goal is to create a space where people feel welcome, inspired, and part of something meaningful. Being part of this community means more than just opening a business; it means I get to create lifelong memories for my family and the families living in the Treasure Valley through Cooks & Books.
So, what has the past five years taught me? I’ve learned this: I love to learn new things, I am an amazing leader, an innovative thinker, and a really good person. I’ve learned to accept that not everyone will understand me and the way I think or move through the world, and that’s okay. I learned to love me.
Whether it’s a new degree, a fresh idea, self-reflection, or a bold step forward, I will always stay curious, courageous, kind, and true to myself.
So here’s to growth, grit, and chasing dreams, Idaho-style.
XO- Alicia
July 3, 2025