“The journey of reclaiming your life begins with embracing who you truly are and aligning your actions with your core values.”

– Rebecca Hamilton

Content Warning: The interview touches on issues like alcohol consumption, poor eating habits, and obesity. Some readers may find these sensitive or upsetting, particularly those who have dealt with eating disorders, issues with body image, or addiction. Additionally, it alludes to an ICU admittance during a health scare, which could cause intense emotional responses. If you suffer from any of these challenges, we strongly encourage you to seek professional help and support.

Understanding and being in line with one’s own ideals is the first step towards taking back one’s life. This served as the cornerstone for Rebecca Hamilton’s ascent to success, which saw her transition from a flourishing bakery to her commitment to wellness and health. Rebecca has used her experiences to help others become more self-aware and empowered. She talks about her experience, the lessons she’s learned, and how she helps people live authentically and with integrity in this interview. The discussion sheds light on her career, her driving forces, and her approach to inspiring people to realize their own potential.

To kick things off, could you share a bit about yourself—your journey, what you do, and what drives you in your personal and professional life?

I’m a wellness and personal development professional and award-winning businesswoman. I discovered that closing my million-dollar bakery no longer fit with my dedication to a healthy living, which led to a life-changing weight reduction journey based on kindness and authenticity.

I discuss issues of empowerment and self-discovery as the host of the Scrap the Sweet Talk podcast, and I connect to others on their own journeys on a deep level through my writing.

I like hiking, photography, traveling, and the arts when I’m not working. I enjoy interacting with individuals from all backgrounds and cherish the time I spend with my spouse and our two dogs.

Could you tell us about the pivotal moment that inspired you to leave behind your successful bakery business and start a new journey?

The moment that inspired me to leave my bakery business came from a transformative personal journey. Chick Boss Cake was a dream come true—built from scratch with no prior experience, it was a major accomplishment for me, especially since I had dropped out of high school at 16. But as I embarked on my own health and wellness journey, I began to feel a disconnect between the life I was living and the life I truly wanted. I lost 70 pounds, eliminated sugar and processed foods, and embraced wellness. The more I learned about the harmful effects of these products, the more I felt guilty selling them. My values had shifted, and the bakery, once a source of pride, no longer aligned with the healthier lifestyle I was pursuing. Even receiving London’s Top 20 Under 40 award for business achievement didn’t erase the growing dissonance I felt. The recognition should have been the pinnacle of my success, but it only deepened my desire to align my life and career with my evolving values. I could no longer promote a business that didn’t reflect who I had become. Closing Chick Boss Cake was tough but liberating. It opened the door to a new chapter where I help others build intentional lives, aligned with their values. Whether through business branding photography, writing, hosting Scrap the Sweet Talk, or speaking, I now focus on what truly fulfills me. The takeaway: no amount of success is worth sacrificing your authenticity. We all have the power to change and pursue what truly aligns with who we are.

In Wake Up & Smell The Coffee, you talk about redefining success. How did your definition of success evolve over time, and what does it mean to you now?

In Wake Up & Smell the Coffee, I share how redefining success was a pivotal shift in my journey. For years, I equated success with external markers—money, awards, and building a business people admired. But I learned that true success isn’t about wealth or accolades; it’s about living authentically, aligning with your values, and making decisions that support your well-being and happiness. Society has brainwashed us into believing success means climbing the corporate ladder and acquiring material wealth, but this narrow definition has led to a more unhealthy, unhappy, and disconnected society. The industries profiting from our dependence on these “success” metrics—processed food, Big Pharma, and social media—thrive when we’re unhealthy, disconnected, and reliant on their products. When I realized this, it was a wake-up call. True success comes from breaking free from societal expectations and defining it for yourself. It’s about aligning your life with who you truly are, prioritizing your health and happiness. As I transitioned from running a bakery to focusing on wellness, my definition of success shifted. Now, success is about living with intention, being authentic, and supporting others in doing the same. It’s about growth, learning, and contributing to a greater purpose while embracing change and never losing sight of what truly matters.

Your journey includes a significant shift in lifestyle, including a major weight loss transformation. What were some of the personal discoveries you made about wellness along the way?

A key realization in my wellness journey was how my eating habits were sabotaging my health. Running a bakery, I was constantly surrounded by sugary treats, feeding my sweet tooth and contributing to my obesity. I had to face the hard truth: I was responsible for my choices, and only I could change them. Accepting this responsibility was a wake-up call to take control of my health. It’s easy to blame external factors, but we must take accountability for our actions. This shift allowed me to adopt a keto diet, eliminating sugar and carbs. Though tough at first, my energy improved, mood stabilized, and I began losing weight. Obesity is often normalized, but it carries serious health risks that the media and industries downplay. While body positivity is important, we must separate self-acceptance from ignoring the dangers of obesity. These industries thrive on keeping us sick, and it’s time to break free from that cycle. As I shifted my habits, I saw how ingrained poor eating choices are in society, from sugary product marketing to the prevalence of fast food. Once I nourished my body properly, the truth became clear. It motivated me to focus on long-term health, not temporary cravings. I also quit alcohol after learning it’s a carcinogen, gaining more control over my health. True wellness comes from the choices we make every day, not from following societal trends. We deserve a life of vitality, health, and authenticity.

Many people find it difficult to question societal norms. What advice would you give to readers who feel trapped in “hustle, consume, repeat” but are unsure how to step away?

Breaking free from the “hustle, consume, repeat” cycle is tough, especially in a culture that constantly pressures us to work harder and consume more. Social media amplifies this, with influencers promoting idealized lives that suggest happiness comes from possessions and external validation. To break this cycle, start by reflecting on your values and what truly brings you fulfillment. Quiet moments help you recognize how many societal norms don’t align with your authentic self. Begin small by questioning one area of your life—whether it’s your career, money, or consumption habits. Ask yourself if these align with your true desires or if you’re following the crowd. The hardest part is giving yourself permission to prioritize your well-being over expectations. Be kind to yourself throughout this process, especially when facing resistance from others still entrenched in hustle culture. A powerful lesson from studying the Blue Zones—regions with the world’s longest-lived people—showed me that wellness isn’t about working harder or consuming more. People in Blue Zones live intentionally, prioritize community, eat whole foods, and move daily. Their lives are balanced, and they value connection over consumption. In contrast, Western culture often sacrifices health for productivity, leading to chronic illness and disconnection. The Blue Zones taught me that true wellness is about intentional living, nourishing our bodies, and building meaningful connections. If we want to live longer, healthier lives, we need to adopt these simple, profound practices.

You discuss the impact of processed foods and sugar on your life and business. How has this realization influenced your perspective on personal health and well-being?

Realizing the impact of processed foods and sugar on my life and business was a wake-up call. Running a bakery surrounded by sugar made it easy to indulge, but over time, I felt sluggish and my body wasn’t responding well. At my heaviest, I reached 270 lbs, and I had to face the truth that my eating habits had led me to this point. I learned that wellness is about nourishing your body with the right foods for long-term vitality and mental clarity, not just fitness or weight loss. I had to let go of the temporary satisfaction provided by sugar and processed foods, which only led to deeper health issues. Wellness isn’t just about living longer; it’s about living a life full of energy and quality. I didn’t want to spend my later years struggling with poor health. I wanted to enjoy my life, feeling strong, mentally sharp, and capable of pursuing my passions. This shift in perspective transformed how I approached both my health and my business. True success, I realized, isn’t about reaching milestones—it’s about building a life that supports health, happiness, and overall well-being. Now, I’m committed to helping others break free from the hold of processed foods and sugar and shift the narrative on what it means to be truly healthy.

What has been the most rewarding part of reconnecting with your authentic self through this journey of self-discovery and intentional living?

Reconnecting with my authentic self has brought me freedom. For so long, I chased success based on others’ expectations, but tuning into my own values lifted a weight I didn’t know I was carrying. Living intentionally has given me peace and fulfillment, and I’ve learned that my worth doesn’t depend on achievements or validation. This shift has empowered me to live on my terms, no longer seeking approval. Most rewarding, though, has been helping others do the same. By embracing my true self, I’ve found purpose in guiding others toward authenticity. Leading by example has sparked a ripple effect, and I believe that living authentically can inspire a movement of self-acceptance to change the world.

Through your podcast, Scrap the Sweet Talk, you explore themes of empowerment and personal growth. How do you hope to inspire listeners to go on their own journeys?

Through my podcast, Scrap the Sweet Talk, I offer a raw, no-nonsense perspective on empowerment and personal growth. I’ve faced challenges that many can relate to, and I create a space where listeners hear the truth—no sugarcoating. Life is tough, and growth often comes from facing uncomfortable realities. True transformation happens when we confront the tough stuff we try to avoid. I’m here to cut through the fluff and get straight to the point. Life doesn’t give easy answers, and growth comes from facing hard truths. My podcast helps listeners stop pretending everything is perfect and embrace the uncomfortable parts of life—mistakes, setbacks, and hard truths—as stepping stones to becoming who they’re meant to be. By sharing my stories, I show others they’re not alone and can emerge stronger. Ultimately, I aim to inspire listeners to live intentionally, not on autopilot. This is about living authentically and taking ownership of your journey. My advice is blunt but grounded in real-life experience. If listeners walk away empowered and ready to take control of their growth, I’ve done my job.

In your experience, what are some key steps people can take to move beyond distractions and cultivate a life rich with purpose and fulfillment?

To cultivate a life of purpose and fulfillment, we must disconnect from distractions, especially social media, which often leaves us feeling more disconnected from ourselves and others. Limiting screen time or doing social media detoxes helps us prioritize real-life connections and build deeper relationships. Addressing personal vices like alcohol, drugs, or excessive social media use is also crucial, as these habits mask uncomfortable emotions. Recognizing and confronting these vices creates space for emotional clarity and growth. A dopamine detox can further reset our brains, breaking free from the constant distractions of modern life and recalibrating our satisfaction levels. By addressing distractions, facing our emotions, and resetting our dopamine, we create a life grounded in authenticity, purpose, and true fulfillment. While challenging, the rewards of living intentionally are profound.

Looking back, are there any specific challenges or lessons that stand out as critical turning points in your journey?

A turning point in my journey was realizing how much I had been numbing myself with unhealthy habits, especially food and alcohol. At my heaviest, I had lost touch with my body’s true needs, made worse by running a bakery filled with sugary treats. It wasn’t until I faced the harsh truth that I was responsible for my choices that I began taking control of my health. A wake-up call came when I landed in the ICU with viral meningitis, emphasizing the need to overhaul my habits. Another shift came when I redefined success and happiness for myself. I had been caught in hustle culture, equating productivity with worth. Slowing down and aligning my life with my values showed me that true success is about living with purpose, nurturing what truly matters: self-care, relationships, and authenticity. This shift helped me escape the hustle cycle and focus on what was important—my health and family. I also learned the power of embracing discomfort. Whether quitting alcohol or sticking to a new diet, growth happened when I faced discomfort and emotions head-on. Finally, detaching from material possessions was liberating. I had once equated success with acquiring more things, but decluttering both physically and emotionally freed me from materialism, shifting my focus to experiences, relationships, and personal growth. This process lightened my surroundings and my soul, teaching me the value of living with less.

Finally, for readers who are just starting their own journey of self-discovery, what’s one piece of advice you’d offer to help them live with intention and authenticity?

If you’re starting your self-discovery journey, surround yourself with people who inspire authenticity and intentional living. Seek mentors—whether in person, through books, podcasts, or social media—who align with your values. Their guidance will help you navigate your own path and show you that living authentically is not only possible but fulfilling. Next, acknowledge what hasn’t been serving you. Identify the habits, people, or situations that are holding you back, and take responsibility for the role you’ve played in your own struggles. Let go of what no longer serves you—whether it’s negative influences, toxic relationships, or outdated beliefs. This clears space for growth and new opportunities. Remember, authenticity is a journey of consistent, intentional steps. Don’t rush the process—take time to understand your values and adjust accordingly. Reflect on what brings you joy and peace, and commit to living by those principles. Over time, these changes will feel natural, guiding you to a more fulfilling life. Lastly, be patient with yourself. The path to self-discovery isn’t always smooth. Embrace setbacks as part of growth and stay committed to your truth. With time, you’ll naturally create the life you’re meant to live.

“By being authentic and kind to ourselves, we unlock our greatest potential to inspire change in the world around us.”

– Rebecca Hamilton

Links

• LinkedIn
• Website

Share Your Insights

We’d love to hear your thoughts on Rebecca Hamilton’s journey and insights. Please share your comments below:

• What steps can you take today to align with your own values?
• What aspect of Rebecca’s journey do you find most inspiring?
• How do you approach personal growth and wellness?

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— Uncle Ben, Spider-Man

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