The sound of strings vibrating in the air, a melody that once felt like home, was abruptly silenced when my guitar was stolen shortly after the pandemic. It was early 2021, a time when isolation and uncertainty loomed large, and I found myself grappling not only with the loss of my instrument but also with my identity as a budding female musician in a male-dominated industry. This theft ignited a fire within me—a determination to carve out my own path in music, even if it meant working with limited gear. As I navigated setbacks and skepticism from others, my dreams began to shift; instead of fame, I envisioned a future as a luthier or touring guitar tech, embracing resilience in the face of adversity.   The day my guitar was stolen felt like a dark cloud had descended over my world. I remember standing in my room staring at the empty guitar stand in which it sat, the echoes of past melodies haunting me as I searched for answers that wouldn’t come. It wasn’t just an instrument; it was my voice, my escape, and the embodiment of countless hours spent honing my craft. In that moment of despair, I could have easily succumbed to frustration and given up on my dreams. Instead, I chose to channel my grief into something productive. With my first guitar, chunks of wood missing with cracks in the smokey blue paint- I began experimenting with sounds that were foreign yet exhilarating. “Why don’t you just give up?” a friend had said, their tone laced with skepticism. The words stung, but they also ignited a spark within me. I realized that while I might not fit the conventional mold of a successful musician, I had something unique to offer. Each note I played on the guitar became a testament to my resilience, a reminder that creativity knows no bounds. As I navigated this new terrain, I found solace in online communities of female musicians who shared similar struggles. Their stories resonated deeply, reminding me that I wasn’t alone in facing the challenges of a male-dominated industry. We exchanged tips, celebrated small victories, and encouraged one another to keep going despite the odds stacked against us. This camaraderie fueled my determination, transforming my initial setback into a stepping stone toward a more profound understanding of my passion. I began to see my journey not as a series of obstacles but as an evolving narrative—one where every challenge was an opportunity for growth, leading me closer to my ultimate goal of becoming a luthier or a touring guitar tech.  As I reflect on my journey through the upheaval of losing my guitar, I realize that this experience has shaped me in ways I never anticipated. The theft forced me to adapt, pushing me to explore new avenues within music and embrace my identity as a female musician in a challenging landscape. Rather than giving into doubt, I transformed setbacks into stepping stones, igniting a passion for luthiery and guitar tech that I hadn’t previously considered. This newfound direction feels empowering, reminding me that resilience can lead to unexpected paths. In the end, I learned that dreams may evolve, but the essence of creativity remains steadfast. With each strum on various instruments, I discovered not just my voice but also a community that uplifts and inspires. I hope to inspire many female musicians with my story and show them that they can overcome anything they may face in the industry just as I've had to adapt to do.