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The house got quieter, but life got louder in all the best ways. We swap “empty nest” for “open door” and talk about what happens when two daughters head to college and their moms finally move long-delayed dreams to the front burner. One of us launches The Green Butterfly—a vintage boutique turned creative community—learning retail tech, hiring a team, and designing events that help people find their style and their spark. The other starts saying yes to unplanned trips, deeper conversations, and guilt-free time, noticing how purpose returns when the calendar stops orbiting around carpool.

Our daughters join us to share the honest stuff: nervous first hellos, roommates, tiny dorms, and the small anchors that make new places feel safe—journals, teddy bears, even an emotional support cat. We explore majors and pivots, from psychology to dentistry, and theater design to special effects makeup, and we push past the salary script to a richer idea of success: meaningful work, real friends, and a life you actually want to wake up to. Along the way, we untangle boundaries and trust, choosing to be available without hovering, and letting our kids lead the check-ins. There’s nostalgia, laughter, and the reminder to take the road trip, capture the memory, and keep most of the photos off the internet.

If you’re standing at the same threshold—kids launching, identity shifting—consider this your companion guide. You’ll find perspective, practical ideas, and a nudge toward your own next chapter, whether that’s a business, a creative outlet, or simply more room to breathe. If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review so more open-door parents can find us.

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You can find out more about Serena's new store, The Green Butterfly at https://www.greenbutterflyatelier.com and on Instagram @greenbutterflyatelier

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The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Although your hosts are attorneys, Pairs Well With… does not provide legal, medical, financial, or professional advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always seek the advice of qualified professionals regarding any specific questions or concerns you may have.