The Princess I Chose to Be

Becoming Her: The Memories of a Brax Girl

Last night, my 12-year-old daughter and I decided to watch a movie together. The new Disney Snow White had just come out, and even though she was mildly interested, I was the one excited to rent it.

I’ve always loved Disney princess movies, and honestly, even at 47 years old, I still do. There’s something magical about them that takes me back.

But as I watched this newer version, something stood out. Unlike the old stories where the princess waits for Prince Charming to rescue her, this one had a twist. She was brave, kind, and courageous on her own. She didn’t wait to be saved.

And that hit home for me.

I never grew up expecting to be rescued. Maybe it’s because I lost my father at 11, and life required me to grow up fast. From a young age, I learned to choose myself, to take care of things, to move forward no matter what.

As I watched the movie, a memory came flooding back from 21 years ago. I was working at a jewelry store in Texas, and my husband and I were preparing to move back to California. On my last day, I asked my manager for a recommendation letter. He kindly wrote a glowing one, but then laughed and said, “Honestly, if I were you, I’d just go to Disneyland and become a Disney princess.”

We both laughed. I told him that could be an option — if I couldn’t find a job.

Last night, I smiled at that memory.

Because I could’ve chosen that path — the safe one, the sweet one. I could’ve stayed home, let my Prince Charming husband take care of me. But I didn’t.

I chose to start Brax Jewelers, with no money, no formal experience — just a dream and a lot of grit.

It wasn’t easy. But looking back, I’m so proud I didn’t become a Disney princess.

I became a Brax Girl instead.

Still, I won’t lie. I love dressing up, being graceful, and feeling like royalty. And if I’m being completely honest… I do believe in past lives, and maybe, just maybe, in one of them, I was a real princess. But we’ll save that for another post.

To all the amazing women and girls reading this:

Choose courage.

Choose yourself.

Choose your dreams.

Because you don’t need a prince to build a castle. You already have the crown.