Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Boquette.
Hi Danielle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My professional career was as a Human Resources professional; a dress and heels, corporate meetings, travel, and conference calls were my norm. A divorce, a company closure, and a new marriage in 2014 changed the trajectory of it all. I swapped my stilettos for casual attire, moved into a new home with five kids (2 mine and three new bonus kids), and joined my new husband in running his business. Initially, it was blissful and new, but soon I felt unfulfilled.
I was married to my soulmate, volunteering, attending everything I used to miss for the kids, but something was missing.
I thought I was having an identity crisis! That identity crisis, combined with the sudden loss of my mother in 2018, set me into a tailspin that lasted a couple of years.
During the pause of life that was COVID, I began a journey of self-exploration and healing—reframing what felt like an identity crisis into more of an intention to explore & embrace change intelligently. Through my exploration, my brand With Mrs. B. was born. I am sharing and influencing in a way that inspires and empowers others to live intentionally to build a life they love.
I have designed a personal life planner, several journals, and wearable merch, and I launched a podcast in 2022. I am thrilled to have just published my first book, Note to Self. This book invites others to join me as I continue a journey of inward exploration and growth. The book is 52 short chapters. Each chapter is a life truth to consider, with short journaling prompts for the reader to explore how each truth lands for them and may appear in their life.
The book, journals, and planner are available on Amazon, and I am thrilled at the response I have gotten from others eager to learn, grow, and transform through self-reflection and being students of their own lives.
I encourage all of us to keep growing and keep going… together. And I am rooting for everybody!
I reside in Dexter, Michigan, with Mr. B. and our black lab, Piper. Our blended brood of kids, which now also includes our teenage niece and college-aged German exchange student, are all learning the stuff of the world and, I hope… building lives they love!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a bumpy road with a few stops and starts! With Mrs. B. began as a blog and inspirational messages on merchandise. It soon evolved into more of a mission to focus on intentional living and self-growth/healing. I loved the idea of sharing more intimately and in real-time and was able to do that with the launch of the With Mrs. B. podcast. The personal planner and journals were popular, but I gained the most traction in my mission when I began sharing my journey and wrote the book.
Self-growth, reflection, and wanting to be a better version of yourself are trending right now. Everyone can get on board with inspiring and motivating messages, but there is a new energy around transformation and intentional living.
As I leaned into my own journey, became vulnerable in my sharing, and deeply dove into the work, my mission had more meaning than ever, and people were connecting! I love that!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have a business degree in Human Resource Management. I have worked in large, global organizations and locally owned small businesses. I’ve had experience in marketing and extensive volunteering in elite youth sports, and I serve as an ambassador for the Detroit-based non-profit Chosen Infertility Group.
I still work part-time doing HR and Business Strategy for Daily Rain, Inc., my husband’s 28-year-old, locally-owned irrigation company. I am proud of my first book, Note To Self. Becoming a published author has been a lifelong dream.
I am known for my love of family and my authentic being. I have a burning desire to help others grow and be the best versions of themselves.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a shy and quiet girl in elementary school. More chatty and “mature for my age” at home with family.
Growing up, we didn’t have much, and my mother depended on family, friends, and the church to give what she couldn’t and help ensure our needs were met. I was fortunate to attend a private Lutheran elementary school through a scholarship. My mother intentionally ensured I was around the best influences possible, and I did not take that for granted. That was my first experience with “wanting a better life, the life other people had.”
As I moved to public school for Junior High and High School, it was easier for me to be social and more comfortable with my peers. There were more kids “like me” there, and I found it easy to make friends with all the kids. I blossomed into a social butterfly! I was on the debate team, a cheerleader, a gymnast, and ran track. I worked on the school yearbook and spoke at my high school graduation.
By the time I graduated at 17, I appeared more confident and full of life. I was motivated and determined… but I was also still very insecure and struggling with self-worth. Despite that, I would say my peers would describe me as strong, independent, very social, bubbly, and funny, and I could be friends with everyone!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.withmrsb.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withmrsb/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/withmrsb
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/withmrsb/
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MaMXYtbrASMnjg5NUDuqg?si=e1ea05f44c85430c
Image Credits
Joelle Cole Photography
