The Feisty Heroine's Return Home: How Rachel Beck Found MakeMyMove and Rediscovered Indiana

An Unexpected Path Home

Growing up in the tiny town of Dubois, Indiana, with a population of just over 400, Rachel always knew there was more to the world than the four-way stop sign and the rolling farmland surrounding her. After graduating high school, she set out to explore, venturing first to Atlanta, then Cincinnati and ultimately landing in the bustling metropolis of New York City.

For nearly 15 years, Rachel carved out a life for herself in the Big Apple, working as a counselor in the public school system during the day and pursuing her passion for hospitality by taking on restaurant jobs in the evenings. But the cost of living and the relentless pace of city life began to wear on her.

"I was working two jobs in New York City just to make ends meet,” she says.

As Rachel's parents grew older, the pull of her small-town roots grew stronger. She found herself longing for the wide-open spaces and the familiar faces of her childhood. The pandemic, which forced many New Yorkers to reevaluate their life priorities, only amplified this desire.

"I missed nature. I grew up on an 80-acre farm and in New York, in terms of large greenspaces, there’s only Central Park. So, I was going a little stir-crazy," Rachel explains.

The Relocation Decision

When Rachel's cousin, who worked in the casino at the French Lick Resort, mentioned they were offering a blackjack dealer training program, it piqued her interest. The thought of working in the hospitality industry in her home state, surrounded by the historic hotels she had fond memories of, seemed like the perfect fit.

But as Rachel explored her options, another opportunity presented itself – the MakeMyMove program. Launched in 2020, MakeMyMove offers financial incentives and community support to attract talented professionals like Rachel to communities throughout the United States.

"I remember hearing about the MakeMyMove program and I had just made the decision to move back home. The application process was really quick and seamless. Once I submitted my application I got connected with Kristal Painter who told me more about their Employer Incentive Program and it kind of snowballed from there," Rachel says.

The decision to leave the life she had built in New York was not an easy one, but Rachel felt a strong pull to return to her roots. The prospect of being closer to family, reconnecting with old friends and immersing herself in the community she had once known so well was too tempting to ignore.

"All my cousins live nearby, so it made sense for me to come back here," she explains. "And part of the allure was being able to work at one of the historic hotels in the area, I think it's really cool that we have two hotels that were built in 1901 that have all this history, and that helped to seal the deal for me."

Within a few months of first learning about the MakeMyMove program, Rachel had packed up her life in New York and made the move back to Indiana. She settled in with family, determined to find her footing and pursue her entrepreneurial dreams.

A Fresh Start in Small-Town Indiana

As Rachel embarked on her new life in Dubois, she quickly realized that the transition from the fast-paced energy of New York City to the quiet charm of her hometown would require some adjustments.

"I hadn't had a car in 14 years. That was a big adjustment. I was used to taking the subway and everything being loud from the moment I woke up," she says.

But the change of pace and the warmth of the community quickly won her over. Gone were the days of walking with her head down, avoiding eye contact and the need to always be "on." In DuBois, Rachel found herself embracing the leisurely rhythm of small-town life.

"There's no traffic here and people wave to you as they pass you on the road even if they don't know you. I like to say I didn't lose my Midwesterness in New York City, but I did, I called it my New York City Crust. But here, everybody says hi or ‘how are you today?' and people actually wait for the answer.”

Despite the initial culture shock, Rachel found herself shedding the tough exterior she had cultivated in the big city. The warmth and hospitality of the people in the area helped her rediscover the Midwestern charm she had once taken for granted.

As Rachel settled into her new job at the French Lick Casino, she also began to reconnect with old friends and family. "I go on walks with a childhood friend once a week. Her mom was my babysitter and I’ve also made friends with a girl that was a few years below me in high school. There are also a few people at work that I've connected with that I didn't know before," Rachel shares.

The Feisty Heroine Takes Flight

Rachel's move back to Indiana wasn't just about rediscovering her roots – it was also an opportunity to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams and launch her own business.

"I opened my LLC in March, and I started a blog and podcast. Eventually, I'm hoping to get some sponsors. I eventually want to do some coaching too, but I'm kind of doing bite-size pieces as I work full time."

The Feisty Heroine, Rachel's blog and podcast, is a platform dedicated to empowering women, particularly those in rural communities, to embrace their singlehood and live life on their terms. The name is a nod to Rachel's own journey, as she navigates the challenges and societal expectations that often come with being a single, child-free woman in her 40s.

Rachel's mission is to reframe the narrative around singlehood, which she believes is often viewed as a "holding period" or something to be ashamed of. Through her podcast, she aims to amplify the stories of everyday women who have embraced their independence and found fulfillment in their single status.

" I want to empower women to know that being single is a positive thing and they don’t have to feel like they need to get married to somebody just for the sake of getting married.”

While Rachel's mission may face some resistance in the traditionally conservative area she lives in, she remains undaunted. "I just released my first episode a few months ago, but so far the response has been positive.”

Rachel's ambitious goals for The Feisty Heroine include hiring locals to help her grow her business which she has already started doing by hiring two people to help with her social media accounts. However, she says she’s still taking it one step at a time, balancing her full-time job at the casino with her entrepreneurial pursuits.

The Power of the MakeMyMove Program

Rachel's journey back to Indiana and the launch of her business venture are a testament to the power of the MakeMyMove program. Beyond the financial incentives, the program's commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment has been a game-changer for Rachel. The small-town hospitality and the opportunity to reconnect with her roots have been key to her overall satisfaction with her decision to make the move.

"There's a lot of really great opportunities," Rachel says, encouraging others to explore the possibilities offered by the MakeMyMove program.

As Rachel continues to build her business and immerse herself in the Dubois community, she remains driven by her mission to empower women and challenge the societal norms that often confine them. Her story is a testament to the power of embracing one's roots and the transformative impact that a supportive community can have on an individual's life.