IN THE MEDIA
Canvas Rebel
We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emelie Woodruff a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Emelie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
In 2019, my younger brother Simon was tragically killed at just 19 years old, a senseless act that shattered our family.He had his whole life ahead of him, full of potential and dreams. Simon loved music and was a talented musician. He also had a heart of gold, telling everyone he loved them every day because you never know when the last time will be—and he was right. While stories like this are heartbreaking and the world often feels unjust, this tragedy became a catalyst for profound change in my life, making me grateful for every second I have.
Bold Journey
We recently connected with Emelie Woodruff and have shared our conversation below.
Emelie, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My story is rooted in heartbreak and transformation. It began with the loss of my younger brother, Simon, who was tragically killed at just 19 years old—a senseless act that shattered our family. Having him taken from us shook me awake in a way I never expected. Before that moment, my life looked perfect from the outside—steady job, nice home, a relationship—but inside, I was merely existing, battling depression and anxiety.
The year that followed was surreal. Our tragedy became fodder for headlines, and the world seemed to treat our pain as a story rather than a life-altering crisis. This experience ignited a fire within me—a determination to help others who feel alone in their suffering. I learned the hard way that support isn’t always there when you need it most.
