From Grit to Grace: The Life Lessons That Shaped Me

Daily writing prompt

What experiences in life helped you grow the most?

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Growth doesn’t happen in the comfortable, latte-sipping moments of life. No, true growth sneaks up on you in the trenches—when you’re navigating heartbreak, chasing dreams that feel just out of reach, or standing your ground in a room full of skeptics (preferably in Louboutins, because confidence is 90% footwear).

I’ve grown through caregiving, learning that love is as much about showing up as it is about letting go. Holding the hands of those I’ve loved through illness and loss has shaped me in ways no book or course ever could. It’s taught me resilience, patience, and the sacred art of making peace with the uncontrollable.

I’ve grown through reinvention—modeling in my younger years, strutting through the legal world as a litigation paralegal, managing music acts, and building Voguegenics from the ground up. Each pivot required shedding old versions of myself and stepping into new, uncharted roles, often without a roadmap but always with a sense of purpose.

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And I’ve grown through survival. As a domestic violence survivor, I know firsthand the power of reclaiming your life, your confidence, and your voice. That experience lit a fire in me—a deep desire to help other women feel educated, empowered, and self-confident. No one should ever feel trapped, unseen, or unworthy of the life they dream about. (And I want to make it very clear—my wonderful husband, Derek, is not part of that past. Quite the opposite, he has provided me with the safe, loving environment I needed to heal. His unwavering support has been a foundation of strength in my journey forward to who I am today.)

Growth isn’t glamorous. It’s messy, painful, and often wrapped in lessons you never asked for. But if there’s one thing I know, it’s that every challenge, heartbreak, and plot twist has refined me. And for that, I’m endlessly grateful.

#FromGritToGrace #SelfGrowth #EmpoweredLiving #Voguegenics #HealingJourney #LifeLessons #Confidence #Reinvention #WomenEmpowerment #Resilience

Dorey Duncan Scott Senior Litigation Paralegal

Hi! I’m Dorey Duncan Scott, a mother of three, wife and fashion entrepreneur. I started my career in fashion back in the early 90’s when I did print, still and runway modeling. I studied Fashion Merchandising, Music Business and Marketing, while also obtaining certificates in such industry-necessary areas such as make-up, styling and runway choreography. In addition, I had work as a spokesmodel for several brands, appearing in print and in person. As a former model, turned senior litigation paralegal, artist manager and on-air personality with a passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development, I bring a unique combination of style, strategic thinking, and legal expertise to my work. My years navigating the legal world have sharpened my attention to detail, while my experience and passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development drives my desire to help others feel empowered and help them in their journey toward self-empowerment. My experience in the fashion world has taught me the power of confidence. 

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