“What good is it to have professional success but my relationships are a personal mess?” Those are the stirring words echoed by Brooklyn born, U.S. Army veteran, marathon runner, motivational speaker, entrepreneur and bestselling author, Mrs. Audra R. Upchurch. Audra is proof-positive evidence that not only are there lemonade transformations, but with the “life runner” spirit…sparkling champagne.
Homeless at 15 due to her mother’s struggle with mental illness, family stability and a being a single mom at 17, Audra knows how wrong choices and limited relationships can derail the life of the brightest and most promising individuals. Audra says it best, “reading books became my sanctuary to seeing the world through others eyes and “couch hopping” to keep a roof over my head…was my normal”. But in spite of severe life struggles, aka “lemons” and more; Audra intentionally decided to make a course correction…and her incredible life story and message for us today is “We Can Too.”
Fast forward. Today, Audra is a senior level administrator and works for a Fortune 500 corporation. No longer homeless; she’s a serial residential property owner! In partnership with her husband Tony, Audra is the owner of Xpress Mail, headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA. Together, they have 6 adult children and are now experiencing the joys of grandparenthood. As Audra says, her grandchildren are her “why” for following this new calling.
