10/01/2025
Resilience, Growth, and Moving Forward:
When I was 13, my mom and 3 year old brother were kidnapped and murdered. What I knew was ripped away, and I turned to substances and alcohol.
At 16, I became a mom while still a grieving. I didn’t always get it right, but my son gave me a reason to keep going when life felt unbearable.
In my early 20s, I made the decision to stop the substances. I wasn’t perfect, but I started to fight for myself and for my future.
Years later, I became a mom to twins, and life tested me again. My ex partner got a DUI and self deported, leaving me to raise two toddlers while holding onto the business we started. To make it harder, this happened right after surgery to remove an abdominal mass. I couldn’t carry my girls for six weeks. I was weak and exhausted, but my kids and the business still needed me.
The truth? My main role in the business had always been bringing in clients and handling contracts. I didn’t know the technical side, like measuring kitchens or breaking down slabs. He used to tell me I wouldn’t be able to do it. And honestly, when he left, I was scared he might be right.
I didn’t let fear stop me. I learned, made mistakes, and grew. Today I run SJ Quality Quartz on my own, bringing in clients, managing jobs, breaking down slabs, and measuring kitchens, all while raising my kids.
The biggest surprise? This “cutthroat industry” was full of kindness. Contractors, clients, even competitors cheered me on, shared knowledge, and showed patience. I walked into estimates with toddlers on my legs and got respect, what seemed like weakness became my strength.
I’m not sharing this for sympathy, but as proof that no matter how dark life gets, you can rise. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, take the step, keep moving, keep fighting. One day you’ll look back and see you were stronger than you ever imagined.
This isn’t just about countertops, it’s about turning pain into power, setbacks into comebacks, and proving that no matter how heavy your past, you can build a solid future.
Every time I cut a slab, sign a deal, or load my kids into the truck for a jobsite visit, I honor my mom and brother. Their memory fuels my strength, my grit, my watch me energy.
To the clients, contractors, and competitors who’ve had my back, thank you. To the few family members who’ve shown up for my kids, you’re part of the foundation we’re building.
✨ Here’s to building a business and a legacy that proves resilience is stronger than fear and a hell of a lot harder to break.
If you’re looking for quality countertops backed by grit, resilience, and a whole lot of heart. I’d love to help you build something beautiful. 💎
— Iris S.
Owner, SJ Quality Quartz
