There are moments in life that change us, not because we were ready, but because someone else believed we could be. For Sandra Everitt, one of those moments came in the form of a surprising business opportunity: a chance to buy a mini blind store. While the idea might sound simple on the surface, for Sandra—someone who had lived for decades under the weight of anxiety and self-doubt—it felt like standing on the edge of a cliff.
As told in her deeply personal memoir Releasing Alexandra, this moment wasn’t just about a business decision. It was about stepping into unknown territory and trusting herself to do something bold. But Sandra wasn’t alone—standing firmly by her side was her husband, Lee J., the man who had long seen the strength in her that she often couldn’t see in herself.
When the idea first came up, Sandra’s immediate reaction was hesitation. “I know nothing about the mini blind business,” she admitted honestly. Her anxiety, which had accompanied her since childhood, began to surface. The fear of failure, of unfamiliar territory, and of financial risk all swirled together into a thick fog of doubt.
But Lee J., calm and reassuring, replied with the kind of wisdom that only comes from years of love and observation: “You knew nothing about the Kirby vacuum cleaner business when you first started. Look how that turned out!”
That one reminder opened the door to possibility. He wasn’t wrong—Sandra had once walked into another business with zero experience and turned it into a success. Yet in that moment, her fear wanted her to forget. Lee’s belief, however, cut through her fear like a light.
The conversation continued, as Sandra voiced another layer of concern: “Borrowing money to buy a business is going to make me really nervous.” A valid worry, especially for someone whose anxiety could amplify even the smallest risks into seemingly insurmountable threats.
But Lee wasn’t rattled. With a gentle laugh, he responded, “Sandy, everything makes you nervous at first, but I’m sure Alexandra will do just fine.”
That statement was more than just encouragement. It was a reflection of how he saw her—not just as Sandra, the woman who had lived cautiously and quietly—but as Alexandra, the confident, capable woman within. He wasn’t pushing her; he was reminding her of who she was becoming. His words affirmed something powerful: that the strength she needed was already inside her.
And he was right. After examining the store’s books and realizing it was financially feasible, Sandra took the leap. They borrowed the money, bought the business, and Sandra stepped into her new role with the usual apprehension—but also with a growing sense of belief.
This wasn’t just a business success. It was a personal milestone. It was proof that, with the right support, courage can blossom even in the most unlikely places. And sometimes, that support comes in the form of a partner who holds the mirror just long enough for us to see what’s already inside.
Lee J. didn’t try to rescue Sandra from her anxiety—he respected it, and then gently guided her past it. His belief in her didn’t erase the fear, but it made courage possible.
This is the quiet power of love that Releasing Alexandra so beautifully illustrates. It shows us that real partnership doesn’t overshadow or control—it elevates. Sandra’s story is not one of dependency but of discovery.