I still remember the moment Andrew Gibbs Dabney shared with me about his childhood, standing there in Wilson Park, a place where he felt the freedom of youth. He was just a kid, riding bikes and building forts, but beneath that playful exterior lay the complexity of a boy who had endured multiple surgeries for his severely pigeon toed feet. Those early experiences shaped him in ways he wouldn’t fully understand until much later in life. The casting that stretched from his hips to his toes was not just a physical burden; it was the beginning of a journey that would lead him through pain, addiction, and ultimately to a place of self acceptance and empowerment.
Growing up in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Andrew was like many kids: he loved sports and adventure. But as he navigated the challenges of his condition, he was also introduced to pain medications, which would later play a pivotal role in his life. The irony of his childhood experiences is not lost on him. He reflects on how those early encounters with opiates set the stage for his struggles in adulthood.
It was a harsh lesson in how life’s circumstances can lead us down unexpected paths, sometimes spiraling into darkness when we least expect it. Fast forward to 2011, a year that would change the trajectory of Andrew’s life forever. In a moment that he describes as being in the wrong place at the wrong time, he found himself involved in a robbery at a liquor store, driven by a colleague’s Oxycontin haze. That split second decision led him to Leavenworth, a place that would become a crucible for his character.
It was there, behind bars, that he faced his demons head on, grappling with addiction and the stigma of being an ex felon. But it was also during this time that Andrew began to understand the power of his own narrative. As he sat in his cell, he started to reflect on his past not just the mistakes he made, but also the childhood experiences that shaped him. He realized that those surgeries, while painful, had taught him resilience in a different way.
Andrew often shares a profound insight: “My past is not my present, but it brought me here.” This perspective became a cornerstone of his journey toward healing and self acceptance. When Andrew was released, he could have easily let the weight of his past define him. Instead, he chose to embrace it. He went back to school and earned his bachelor’s degree, all while marrying the love of his life and becoming a devoted father.
His family became his anchor, and with their support, he founded Lives in Designs, a company devoted to creating outdoor experiences that foster connection and adventure. This venture was not just about business; it was a way for Andrew to channel his experiences into something positive, something that could inspire others to find their own paths. One pivotal moment for Andrew was when he decided to publish an honest post on LinkedIn about his past. He hesitated for a week, wrestling with fear and shame, but ultimately, he hit “publish.” The response was overwhelming.
People reached out with support, and investment opportunities began to surface. It was as if sharing his truth had opened a floodgate of understanding and connection. This experience solidified his belief that vulnerability can lead to strength, and that embracing one’s story can create unexpected pathways to success.
Today, Andrew stands as the CEO of Lives in Designs, but more importantly, he is a man who has learned to own his story. He has turned the pain of his past into a message of hope for others. By sharing his journey, he has not only transformed his life but also created a space for others to explore their own narratives. He understands that the past can weigh heavily, but it does not have to dictate the future.
In a world that often shies away from the uncomfortable truths of our histories, Andrew’s journey is a reminder that embracing our past can lead to profound personal and professional growth. His commitment to authenticity and openness is a testament to the belief that we are not defined by our mistakes, but rather by how we choose to rise from them. As we navigate our own paths in life, let’s remember that owning our stories can illuminate the way forward, allowing us to build a future that reflects our true selves.