Redefining Celebration: Raising the Bar

Notes

In this episode, you’ll meet Abbie Romanul, an entrepreneur and sandwich-generation warrior who made big changes for herself, and inspired an untapped (no pun intended) market for people just like her – stepping away from alcohol but not wanting to be left out of the joy that often goes along with it. Host Kathy Vines talks with Abbie about what it means to navigate a “gray area” relationship with alcohol, one that doesn’t fit the old labels of “alcoholic” or “normal drinker.” Abbie opens up about the stigma she faced in corporate culture and how that experience motivated her to build something that made mindful celebration both inclusive and elevated.

Their conversation touches on much more than business. It’s about growth, identity, and the courage to redefine yourself in midlife. Abbie shares what it took to launch a company while parenting, caregiving, and recalibrating her sense of purpose, and how she found strength in honoring her own boundaries while deeply steeped in the demands of the sandwich generation.

Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how self-awareness and courage at any age can transform personal challenges into purpose-driven innovation and how redefining success often starts with saying no to what no longer serves you.

Key Takeaways

• Reinvention can start with one small, honest choice.
  Abbie’s decision to quit drinking wasn’t about hitting rock bottom; it was when she realized she wanted something better, and that being served was no longer serving her.
• Purpose can come from the gaps we notice in our own lives.
  When Abbie saw how hard it was to celebrate without alcohol, she didn’t just wish for a solution, she created one.
• Celebration doesn’t require alcohol.
  The ethos behind Raising the Bar emphasizes inclusivity, creativity, and joy, offering alternative ways to celebrate without compromise.
• Entrepreneurship can create unexpected freedom.
  Abbie shares how starting her business gave her flexibility to be fully present for her family, especially during her mother’s illness, showing that running your own venture can offer life-altering autonomy.
• “One day at a time” is a mantra for more than just recovery.
  The AA phrase resonated with Abbie as a life philosophy, helping her navigate emotional, professional, and personal challenges without being overwhelmed by the big picture.
• Curating life is a conscious act.
  Abbie’s story illustrates that creating a fulfilling life requires intentional choices, especially for women balancing multiple roles.