We were lucky to catch up with Rolanda Lewis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rolanda, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

My Story: From Baton Rouge to Dallas — A Journey of Faith, Fire, and Fulfillment

At 34, I’m thriving in Dallas, Texas — a city that once felt like an impossible dream. But my journey didn’t start here.

I’m originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where I worked as a dental assistant. I loved the career, but in my honest opinion, I was going nowhere. The pay back home just wasn’t enough, and I was struggling. So I took a leap of faith and became a certified personal trainer. That leap birthed my first business: Luxe Fab Fit, an in-house fitness apparel line.

Not long after, God placed another idea in my heart — to create something new. That’s when I launched my second business: LitWix & Things, a candle company that I ran out of my tiny 600 sq ft apartment. I sold over 1,000 candles. But even then, something inside me said, there’s more.

I prayed for clarity. I asked God for guidance. And He told me to isolate myself — to cut off what was unnecessary, and even some of what felt necessary. I obeyed, because I was tired of working so hard for so little. I had always dreamed of living somewhere else, but fear held me back. Still, five years earlier, when I first visited Dallas, I had an unshakable feeling that I belonged here.

Back then, I didn’t think it was possible. I didn’t think I could be one of the people who made it. But that mindset changed through prayer and reading Think and Grow Rich. There’s a part in the book that talks about burning the boats — giving yourself no option but to succeed. That stuck with me.

So I burned my boat.

I didn’t renew my lease. That gave me 60 days to figure out how to move to Dallas. And somehow, with faith, obedience, and no backup plan — I did it. I reached out to dental offices and landed seven interviews. I left Baton Rouge on a Wednesday, interviewed on a Thursday night, and got the job that would ultimately change my life.

Within 60 days, I changed my entire world.

The move was risky. It was lonely at times. But it was worth every tear, every hard moment, and every quiet prayer. I’ve learned so much about myself in this season of isolation. I’ve made new friends. I’ve built a community. And most of all, I’ve proven to myself that I can do hard things — with God leading the way.

Now, I’m in a new space. I stopped making candles and focused on building stability. But as I stand here at 34, I feel the pull to create again. I want to revisit LitWix & Things — this time, from a place of peace and freedom. No pressure, no hustle — just passion and purpose.

I don’t know what the next chapter holds, but I know this: I’m no longer afraid to dream big. I’ve already seen what’s possible when I get out of my own way, and I’m ready to see where faith takes me next.

Rolanda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a Registered Dental Assistant in Dallas, Texas, I have the privilege of serving my community every single day. Dental care isn’t just about cleanings and checkups — it’s about helping people feel confident, healthy, and pain-free. Whether it’s easing someone’s discomfort or being part of a life-changing smile transformation, the impact is powerful and personal.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is witnessing how a healthier smile can truly change someone’s life — not just physically, but emotionally and socially. I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge of oral health, educating patients on preventative care, and empowering them to take control of their dental well-being.

This work is a calling for me. I believe everyone deserves to smile without hesitation, and I’m grateful to play a role in making that happen. It’s more than a job — it’s purpose, healing, and connection all in one.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A Lesson I Had to Unlearn

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was always needing to speak. I used to talk so much that I’d miss the very things I needed to hear — the cues, the guidance, the wisdom in the silence. In many ways, I was getting in my own way. I wasn’t paying attention, and because of that, I missed opportunities, insights, and alignment.

Learning to sit back and just be — patient, quiet, vigilant, diligent, and intentional — changed everything. It taught me that silence can be strength, and stillness can be strategy. Sometimes, elevation requires observation. And I’m grateful for the growth that came when I finally got still enough to receive it.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Reflecting on My Journey in Dentistry

If I could go back, I’d still choose the dental field — but I wouldn’t have stopped at being a dental assistant. I would’ve pursued becoming a dental hygienist. And while that path is still very much within reach, my heart and mind are leading me in a different direction now.

I’ve been a dental assistant since 2011, and I’ve poured so much of myself into this work. It’s been meaningful, it’s been impactful, and I’ve grown tremendously. But there comes a point when you just know — it’s time to pivot. Not out of regret, but out of alignment.

Now, I’m preparing to step into a new chapter, one that aligns with my evolving passions and skills: project management. I’m ready to take everything I’ve learned — the discipline, the attention to detail, the people skills, the adaptability — and apply it in a new space where I can continue to grow and lead.

Letting go isn’t always easy, but sometimes it’s necessary — both professionally and personally. And I’m excited to see what’s waiting for me on the other side.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Litwixandthings.com
• Instagram: Just_geaux
• Youtube: @just_geaux

Image Credits

Leslie Henderson of Baton Rouge