In a compelling episode of The Sweetest Little Life podcast, host Courtney Hanson sits down with Sarah Michelle Boes to discuss her journey from nurse practitioner to entrepreneur and passionate advocate for congenital heart disease (CHD). Sarah shares how her own struggles with test anxiety, an unexpected career shift, and her daughter’s medical diagnosis reshaped her path and led her to a life of advocacy.
The Birth of an Unexpected Entrepreneurial Journey
Sarah graduated from nurse practitioner school in 2020, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Preparing for her certification exam was a stressful experience, compounded by a lack of supportive resources tailored to students struggling with anxiety. Recognizing this gap, Sarah decided to create her own study resource that addressed not only the academic but also the emotional aspects of test preparation.
What started as a personal project soon gained traction among her peers. She initially shared her course for free with 100 people, but when she officially launched it at $25, she made $1,000 in a single day. This moment was a revelation—she realized she had the potential to build something bigger. Within seven months, her business hit $1 million in revenue, and she made the life-changing decision to pursue entrepreneurship full-time rather than work as a nurse practitioner.
Scaling a Business and the Unexpected Pivot
Two years after launching, Sarah’s company was acquired by a larger test prep organization, allowing her to scale beyond what she could manage independently. While selling the business was one of the highest points of her life, it was quickly followed by one of the most challenging—learning that her unborn daughter, Meadow, had four congenital heart defects and would require multiple surgeries.
Advocacy for Congenital Heart Disease Awareness
Sarah quickly shifted from entrepreneur to advocate. She discovered that congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect but one of the least funded. One in 100 babies is born with a heart defect, yet CHD research receives significantly less funding than other pediatric conditions.
Determined to make a difference, Sarah and her husband donated $15 million to their local children’s hospital, which led to the dedication of the Congenital Heart Institute in her daughter’s honor. She now dedicates her time to raising awareness, increasing funding, and connecting families affected by CHD.
The Challenges and Triumphs of Motherhood and Mental Health
Navigating Meadow’s medical journey was emotionally and physically draining. The stress of constant medical monitoring and uncertainty took a toll on Sarah’s mental health, leading to an eventual diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She underwent an intensive outpatient therapy program, focusing on somatic work and exposure therapy to manage her symptoms.
Sarah’s openness about her struggles with mental health and motherhood provides comfort and solidarity to other parents facing similar challenges. She emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking help when needed.
Women of Impact and the Future of CHD Advocacy
Sarah was recently nominated for the American Heart Association’s Women of Impact campaign, which raises awareness and funds for various heart diseases, including CHD. Her goal is to raise $250,000 within nine weeks to help further research and support for families affected by congenital heart disease.
Final Thoughts: A Mission to Change the World
Sarah’s journey is a testament to resilience, purpose, and transformation. From a nurse practitioner struggling with test anxiety to a successful entrepreneur and advocate, her story underscores the power of turning pain into purpose. Through her work, she continues to inspire change, whether in test preparation, CHD awareness, or mental health advocacy.
For those interested in supporting CHD awareness or connecting with Sarah, you can visit her website at SarahMichelleBoes.com or follow her on Instagram, where she shares her journey, advocacy work, and day-to-day life.
About Sarah: Sarah Michelle Boes, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, is the Founder of Sarah Michelle NP Reviews and currently serves as the Chief Nursing Officer at Blueprint Test Prep. With a robust educational background including a BSN from the University of Kentucky and an MSN in Nursing Education from Western Governors University, Sarah has extensive experience in oncology, intensive care, and nursing education.
In 2020, she launched SMNP Reviews, an innovative platform that rapidly grew to a seven-figure business within seven months. Following SMNP Reviews’ acquisition by Blueprint in 2022, Sarah transitioned to a role where she continues to oversee the nursing vertical and integrate cutting-edge educational technologies.
Sarah’s entrepreneurial journey is deeply intertwined with her personal life. Her daughter Meadow, born with severe heart defects, has required extensive medical care, inspiring Sarah’s commitment to pediatric cardiac research and care. In recognition of Meadow’s journey, Sarah and her husband are making a $15 million legacy donation to Norton Children’s Hospital, where the new Congenital Heart Center will be named in their honor. This contribution underscores their dedication to improving healthcare for children with congenital heart conditions.
Connect with Sarah:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-deal-nurse-practitioner-club/id1552285929
https://sarahmichelleboes.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sarahmichellenp/?hl=en
Feel free to watch the episode below, and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on The Sweetest Little Life!
