Yesterday was one of the proudest, most freeing and incredible moments of my life. It was the day I finally paid off over $80,000 in student loan debt.
My past is a huge part of my story. I've been wanting to share it with you for a long time now because I know so many people can relate and be inspired by this story. It hasn't been an easy road, but I always knew what I wanted in life and that I'd do whatever it took to get there. In order to understand who I am today, you have to understand the earlier chapters of my life that molded me into the fighter and believer I am today.
First, it's important for you to know that I have great parents that I'm extremely close to. I had an amazing childhood. My mom is the textbook definition of a selfless, loving mother that would do anything for her children. We talk daily, if not more. I get my strength, class, and perseverance from her. My dad and I have a very special bond. I get my work ethic, compassion, and enthusiasm from him. I wouldn't be where I am without them pushing me, believing in me, and being my biggest fans since the day I was born.
But the past fifteen years or so have been extremely hard for my family. In one year alone, my dad suffered from a stroke, a heart dissection seven weeks later, thyroid cancer with metastasis to seven lymph nodes, and a brain aneurysm on top of ongoing and seemingly insurmountable stress from financial crises. He went from perfectly healthy to sick and disabled. It was more than any of us could handle. There were times we thought we'd lose him. I remember sitting by his bedside in the hospital wondering if he'd ever regain his speech. Watching someone I loved and admired so dearly suffer from so much in such a short period of time was and still is the hardest thing I've had to endure. Just when we thought "this has to be the lowest point," there was yet another new low.
I've been financially independent for a long time now. I've worked multiple jobs since early college when I was doing a combination of babysitting, serving, demoing at grocery stores, and working as a research or catering assistant. After undergrad, on top of grad school and a full-time unpaid dietetic internship, I found time to babysit and serve and continue to build this blog that unbeknownst to me would eventually end up paying my student loans bills off in four years. I hustled because I had to. But also because I wanted to. My dreams were in my hands waiting for me to start bringing them to life.
I remember in my early twenties when I felt the weight of financial stress at its heaviest. I was in credit card debt and couldn't get approved for a credit card. My loans were building. I couldn't wait to finish school and start making real money, fast. The blog started to take off in 2016, meaning I actually made a full-time income. I wrote consistently for a solid three years before I made a dime, so you can imagine the shock and joy when I received my first check. When I started Hummusapien in 2011 I had no intention or desire to make money. That's one of the reasons this blog has been so successful; it's truly a labor of love.
No matter how tough things were at times, I always had the notion that I could live the life of my dreams if I wanted to. I recognize that people endure far greater challenges in life than what I've been through. What was stopping me besides my own limiting beliefs? There's nothing that someone else is doing that isn't in my power to achieve. I go after what I want hard, with insane enthusiasm and vigor and drive to grow and grow and grow. It's in my DNA to hustle.
I used to drown in my own self pity about the overwhelming financial and health hardships my family went through. I was jealous that my friends had no student loans, that they were always traveling on family vacations, that their parents were in perfect health. But looking back, the struggles and pain of my past made me. They forced me to dive headfirst into my work, to lead with my passion and purpose and to do whatever the hell it took to fulfill my destiny. I would be successful. There was no other option for me.
When Alchemy first opened, I was there everyday at 6am and left around 4pm. I'd come home and work on my blog at night and on Sunday. Slowly but surely, my "side hustle" grew. As I gained followers and attracted an loyal audience, I was able to charge brands for sponsored posts on my site or on my social media accounts. I began to make a little money from affiliate links to different products. I added advertising to my site. I worked tirelessly to create meaningful content. At 9pm when I had worked all day at the restaurant, made dinner, and cleaned it up, I opened my computer and I wrote. For hours. And I still do.
There were so many times I didn't "feel" like it. That's what hard work is. I never wanted an average life and that meant not putting in the average amount of time and effort. I questioned many times if balancing two full-time jobs was sustainable. I had a panic attack in 2016 that forced me to take a step back. But I stuck with it. I worked when there were more fun things to do and I put in the time. I knew my worth and I charged accordingly.
I started paying off my credit card debt. Once it was all paid off, I decided the only way I'd use a credit card was if I could pay it off in full. I learned to call the credit card companies every six months to ask for a credit limit increase as long as everything had been paid off in time. I kept low balances on credit cards I barely used just to stay in good standing. I kept updating my income as it grew to get more credit. And after countless denial letters for new credit cards, I'll never forget the day I was approved for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. There was a time my credit score was in the 400's. It's now 762.
I remember crying at the car dealership and the leasing office in college when they told me my credit wasn't good enough to get a car or an apartment lease on my own and I had no one to co-sign the loan. Now, because of my perseverance and determination to succeed, I'm writing this post in the home I purchased this year and I will drive to work in the car I purchased last week.
Success wasn't handed to me. I've had big dreams for as long as I can remember---to inspire change, to teach people that anything is possible, to help others thrive on an individual level and also touch the masses, to prove that our destiny is in our hands. My mindset and fierce ambition never changed. I'm eternally grateful for that.
Don't let your past define your future. Believe in yourself and your dreams and work tirelessly for them. Fight for what's GOOD. BE the change. You deserve the world.
rachel says
So happy I finally got the chance to read this post. It was as amazing as I assumed it would be. You are so inspiring in so many ways and i'm so lucky to have come across you and your blog about a year ago. Thank you for sharing your story.
Alexis says
Thank you SO much, Rachel!
rachel says
So happy I finally got the chance to read this post. It was as amazing as I assumed it would be. You are so inspiring in so many ways and i'm so lucky to have come across you and your blog about a year ago. Thank you for sharing your story.
Alexis says
Thank you SO much, Rachel!
Instagram Search says
I really enjoyed reading your post!
Instagram Search says
I really enjoyed reading your post!
Kristin says
congratulations on paying off your student loans! it is such a huge feeling of accomplishment and relief. this was a really great post - thanks for sharing. i think we often see successful blogs and think it all happened overnight - it's nice to hear about the process sometime and realize how much hard work really goes into it. i'm sorry for all of your dad's health scares. it's hard and it feels like a punishment sometimes - like isn't one of those things enough, without piling on the rest? in the past 10 years my dad had a pulmonary embolism, throat cancer (he's now in remission!), and major heart surgery. he definitely never wants to see the inside of a hospital again, but we have to look at the positive side (even when it feels like there isn't one). you're a fighter and it sounds like your dad is, too!
Alexis says
Thank you so much, Kristin! I really appreciate your comment. It feels so good! Sending love to you and your family as well 🙂
Kristin says
congratulations on paying off your student loans! it is such a huge feeling of accomplishment and relief. this was a really great post - thanks for sharing. i think we often see successful blogs and think it all happened overnight - it's nice to hear about the process sometime and realize how much hard work really goes into it. i'm sorry for all of your dad's health scares. it's hard and it feels like a punishment sometimes - like isn't one of those things enough, without piling on the rest? in the past 10 years my dad had a pulmonary embolism, throat cancer (he's now in remission!), and major heart surgery. he definitely never wants to see the inside of a hospital again, but we have to look at the positive side (even when it feels like there isn't one). you're a fighter and it sounds like your dad is, too!
Alexis says
Thank you so much, Kristin! I really appreciate your comment. It feels so good! Sending love to you and your family as well 🙂
Melissa F. says
Such an inspiring story, Alexis! Congratulations! It's an amazing feeling when you finally pay off those loans. (We paid off the husband's loans almost 3 years ago --more than 20 years after graduation.) My husband has a lot of medical issues and I often wonder about the impact on our kids. Your story gives me hope that they will be OK.
Melissa F. says
Such an inspiring story, Alexis! Congratulations! It's an amazing feeling when you finally pay off those loans. (We paid off the husband's loans almost 3 years ago --more than 20 years after graduation.) My husband has a lot of medical issues and I often wonder about the impact on our kids. Your story gives me hope that they will be OK.
Belle says
You're such an inspiration Alexis. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading your story and feeling your determination through your words. I go through phases of being really motivated, but I find it hard to maintain the same motivation for long periods of time.
I really needed to read this today, and get that little nudge of encouragement 🙂
https://www.thislifeisbelle.com/
Belle says
You're such an inspiration Alexis. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading your story and feeling your determination through your words. I go through phases of being really motivated, but I find it hard to maintain the same motivation for long periods of time.
I really needed to read this today, and get that little nudge of encouragement 🙂
https://www.thislifeisbelle.com/
Amanda says
Your story is so inspiring, Alexis! I'm 2.5 years out of graduate school for dietetics and have about $30,000 of debt on my plate. It's definitely stressful to see those numbers and feel like I'm barely chipping away at them. My parents haven't been able to help out with my schooling either. My mom had breast cancer when I was a junior in college, so they certainly have their own expenses to worry about. But I love hearing stories like this where you took control of your situation and worked hard to get where you are and pay off that debt. This is definitely the kind of encouraging story I needed today! Thanks for sharing your life with us, Alexis! 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Amanda. Sending love to your mom! Keep on doing your best. Thanks for reading! ❤️❤️
Amanda says
Your story is so inspiring, Alexis! I'm 2.5 years out of graduate school for dietetics and have about $30,000 of debt on my plate. It's definitely stressful to see those numbers and feel like I'm barely chipping away at them. My parents haven't been able to help out with my schooling either. My mom had breast cancer when I was a junior in college, so they certainly have their own expenses to worry about. But I love hearing stories like this where you took control of your situation and worked hard to get where you are and pay off that debt. This is definitely the kind of encouraging story I needed today! Thanks for sharing your life with us, Alexis! 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Amanda. Sending love to your mom! Keep on doing your best. Thanks for reading! ❤️❤️
Katherine says
Wow! What an inspirational story! It encourages me as I am at the beginning stages of a blog and side hustle and trudging through the really hard work. I don't want to give up! Thank you for sharing!
Katherine says
Wow! What an inspirational story! It encourages me as I am at the beginning stages of a blog and side hustle and trudging through the really hard work. I don't want to give up! Thank you for sharing!
Ashley says
Thanks for being vulnerable and for shedding lighting on the fact that blogging and entrepreneurship takes a lot of grit. Being ambitious and building our dream life is so difficult, but if the passion is greater than the struggle, the dream will become reality. Your new kitchen is gorgeous - an well-deserved! Wishing you continued abundance in your life and endeavors =)
Ashley says
Thanks for being vulnerable and for shedding lighting on the fact that blogging and entrepreneurship takes a lot of grit. Being ambitious and building our dream life is so difficult, but if the passion is greater than the struggle, the dream will become reality. Your new kitchen is gorgeous - an well-deserved! Wishing you continued abundance in your life and endeavors =)
Beth Lagergren says
You’re blog has been such an inspiration to follow 🙂 keep it coming!
Beth Lagergren says
You’re blog has been such an inspiration to follow 🙂 keep it coming!
Mindy Vita says
Thank you for your post. It came at a perfect time. I love your voice and your message and always enjoy what you have to say, but this was one of my faves. Thanks for being authentic and transparent.
Mindy Vita says
Thank you for your post. It came at a perfect time. I love your voice and your message and always enjoy what you have to say, but this was one of my faves. Thanks for being authentic and transparent.
Bilyana says
Thank you so much for this post, Alexis!! It has truly made my week and inspired me to keep working hard at my financial wellness. Like many of us, coming from extremely difficult circumstances and trying to dig yourself out is no easy feat, but eventually the hustle pays off. Your story is the perfect reminder to keep going. Thanks for be a voice on so many important topics and congratulations!! Sending love from Cleveland 🙂
Alexis says
You made my day! Thanks so much. Keep on keepin' on, Bilyana! 🙂
Bilyana says
Thank you so much for this post, Alexis!! It has truly made my week and inspired me to keep working hard at my financial wellness. Like many of us, coming from extremely difficult circumstances and trying to dig yourself out is no easy feat, but eventually the hustle pays off. Your story is the perfect reminder to keep going. Thanks for be a voice on so many important topics and congratulations!! Sending love from Cleveland 🙂
Alexis says
You made my day! Thanks so much. Keep on keepin' on, Bilyana! 🙂
Tina says
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your candor. <3 Also, thank you for the truly actionable tips! Getting a better handle on my finances, budgeting and trying my best to prepare the future is something I think about a lot, and I'm going to set a goal to put some of the practices you mentioned into motion for myself. Thanks for paying it forward! This is going to be helpful for a lot people.
Alexis says
Eeeeee thanks, Tina! My main goal here was to inspire people that are where I was so recently and to show that there IS an end in sight with hard work and perseverance. 🙂
Tina says
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your candor. <3 Also, thank you for the truly actionable tips! Getting a better handle on my finances, budgeting and trying my best to prepare the future is something I think about a lot, and I'm going to set a goal to put some of the practices you mentioned into motion for myself. Thanks for paying it forward! This is going to be helpful for a lot people.
Alexis says
Eeeeee thanks, Tina! My main goal here was to inspire people that are where I was so recently and to show that there IS an end in sight with hard work and perseverance. 🙂
Meghan says
Thank you so much for being open and honest enough to share your story - you are a true inspiration to all of us who are lucky enough to follow along your journey! I hope that your dad is doing better <3
Alexis says
Thank you so much, Meghan. He's doing much better <3
Meghan says
Thank you so much for being open and honest enough to share your story - you are a true inspiration to all of us who are lucky enough to follow along your journey! I hope that your dad is doing better <3
Alexis says
Thank you so much, Meghan. He's doing much better <3
Ashley says
Your story is so inspiring, thanks for sharing! I’ve been feeling stuck lately — I’ve been unemployed for a month after leaving my job to try to find one that’s more in line with my passions. I’m so grateful for my parents, who are letting me live with them while I job hunt, but it’s been frustrating to not get any offers, and I feel like a failure for being reliant on my family, after living on my own for almost 4 years. Thanks for the reminder that hard work can get you anywhere and that my past (or present) doesn’t have to define my future or what I can achieve!
Ashley says
Your story is so inspiring, thanks for sharing! I’ve been feeling stuck lately — I’ve been unemployed for a month after leaving my job to try to find one that’s more in line with my passions. I’m so grateful for my parents, who are letting me live with them while I job hunt, but it’s been frustrating to not get any offers, and I feel like a failure for being reliant on my family, after living on my own for almost 4 years. Thanks for the reminder that hard work can get you anywhere and that my past (or present) doesn’t have to define my future or what I can achieve!
Lindy Chavez says
Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are truly an inspiration. It’s so comforting to know that there are people out there who have the same struggles and have persevered through it all to come out on top. I, too, have some newly acquired debt after getting my master’s degree as well and it’s often hard to enjoy the success of the degree when the financial burden feels like too much to handle. Your story gives me hope and the courage to keep on plugging away towards my goal of financial freedom. Keep sharing your story. You have a great gift!!
Lindy Chavez says
Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are truly an inspiration. It’s so comforting to know that there are people out there who have the same struggles and have persevered through it all to come out on top. I, too, have some newly acquired debt after getting my master’s degree as well and it’s often hard to enjoy the success of the degree when the financial burden feels like too much to handle. Your story gives me hope and the courage to keep on plugging away towards my goal of financial freedom. Keep sharing your story. You have a great gift!!
Dietitian Jess says
Wow- that is an amazing amount of debt to pay off in such a short time. I had a little less and it took me a little longer to pay off but I hear ya. My Dad passed away suddenly two years ago at the age of 55 so there has been even more of a pressure to earn extra income to help support my mom if needed. I think one big takeaway from this is consistency- you just kept pushing forward and didn't stop or get sidetracked. Such a great story to share and I love how relatable this is <3 Congrats on all that you have achieved- it is inspiring and encouraging 🙂
Dietitian Jess says
Wow- that is an amazing amount of debt to pay off in such a short time. I had a little less and it took me a little longer to pay off but I hear ya. My Dad passed away suddenly two years ago at the age of 55 so there has been even more of a pressure to earn extra income to help support my mom if needed. I think one big takeaway from this is consistency- you just kept pushing forward and didn't stop or get sidetracked. Such a great story to share and I love how relatable this is <3 Congrats on all that you have achieved- it is inspiring and encouraging 🙂
Erin says
I am currently considering grad school and one thing that has been stopping me is the fear of not succeeding and having a mountain of debt I can't pay off. This was so inspiring! Like you said, what is really stopping me besides those limiting beliefs? Thanks for sharing your story.
Erin says
I am currently considering grad school and one thing that has been stopping me is the fear of not succeeding and having a mountain of debt I can't pay off. This was so inspiring! Like you said, what is really stopping me besides those limiting beliefs? Thanks for sharing your story.
Kyla says
I ADORE this post! It's so inspiring and truly motivating. I would love to read more posts like this in the future, if you're open to it? Thank you so much for opening up and sharing your past and present. xo
Kyla says
I ADORE this post! It's so inspiring and truly motivating. I would love to read more posts like this in the future, if you're open to it? Thank you so much for opening up and sharing your past and present. xo
Monica Salafia says
Hi!
I was so happy you opened up about this on and it inspired me (+ I had no other choice, really) to make my first student loan payment and I paid an entire loan off! It was the smallest one but it felt good to knock the entire loan (and it's interest) away in one full swoop after having only been chipping away. I'm so sorry what your family had to endure but I really appreciate you sharing the story.
PS thank you for paving the way for other dietitians to make a presence outside in the blogosphere. I feel like I'm not working hard enough sometimes but then I have to remember things also take time!
Have a fabulous weekend! I hope you celebrate 🙂
Monica Salafia says
Hi!
I was so happy you opened up about this on and it inspired me (+ I had no other choice, really) to make my first student loan payment and I paid an entire loan off! It was the smallest one but it felt good to knock the entire loan (and it's interest) away in one full swoop after having only been chipping away. I'm so sorry what your family had to endure but I really appreciate you sharing the story.
PS thank you for paving the way for other dietitians to make a presence outside in the blogosphere. I feel like I'm not working hard enough sometimes but then I have to remember things also take time!
Have a fabulous weekend! I hope you celebrate 🙂
Abby says
So much yaaasss! Thank you for opening up & sharing your story. It was so empowering to read & a message that I'm sure many of us can relate to. It makes me want to take an impromptu CLE to CBUS road trip to high five you in person, enjoy delish goodies at Alchemy & head right back home. ??❤️
Alexis says
Awww you’re so sweet, Abby. Thank you!!
Abby says
So much yaaasss! Thank you for opening up & sharing your story. It was so empowering to read & a message that I'm sure many of us can relate to. It makes me want to take an impromptu CLE to CBUS road trip to high five you in person, enjoy delish goodies at Alchemy & head right back home. ??❤️
Alexis says
Awww you’re so sweet, Abby. Thank you!!
Mindy Lehmann says
You’re amazing, Alexis. Wow, your story is truly remarkable. Praying for your dad and hope to cross paths again at some point in life. ?
Alexis says
Thank you Mindy! So good to hear from you! XO
Mindy Lehmann says
You’re amazing, Alexis. Wow, your story is truly remarkable. Praying for your dad and hope to cross paths again at some point in life. ?
Alexis says
Thank you Mindy! So good to hear from you! XO
Connie says
Ugh- Alexis- this is beautiful . I don't know what else to say except that you inspire me SO much and that you are a true example of hard work paying off. Thank you for sharing your story and for being a light on my Instagram feed and role model for me every day!
Alexis says
Love that I can serve as a role model to a young woman who I KNOW is going to be absolute trailblazer in the field! Love ya!
Connie says
Ugh- Alexis- this is beautiful . I don't know what else to say except that you inspire me SO much and that you are a true example of hard work paying off. Thank you for sharing your story and for being a light on my Instagram feed and role model for me every day!
Alexis says
Love that I can serve as a role model to a young woman who I KNOW is going to be absolute trailblazer in the field! Love ya!
Jennifer says
Congratulations Alexis! Your work ethic is very inspiring . I think sometimes the sacrifices we make can make a achieving a goal that much sweeter and worthwhile. Thank you for sharing your story- you give me hope that I can pay off my student loans.
Alexis says
I completely agree! Sounds like you're well on your way 🙂
Jennifer says
Congratulations Alexis! Your work ethic is very inspiring . I think sometimes the sacrifices we make can make a achieving a goal that much sweeter and worthwhile. Thank you for sharing your story- you give me hope that I can pay off my student loans.
Alexis says
I completely agree! Sounds like you're well on your way 🙂
Jodi says
I love this. I got chills reading your story. Keep trucking, congrats on your dreams and success ❤️
Alexis says
Thank you so much, Jod!!
Jodi says
I love this. I got chills reading your story. Keep trucking, congrats on your dreams and success ❤️
Alexis says
Thank you so much, Jod!!
Edie says
This is amazing. Your work ethic, spirit, authenticity, genuineness, and humility make you such an incredible person. I look up to you every day. Congrats, girlfriend!
Edie says
This is amazing. Your work ethic, spirit, authenticity, genuineness, and humility make you such an incredible person. I look up to you every day. Congrats, girlfriend!