Meet Elizabeth Tiglao-Guss

We recently connected with Elizabeth Tiglao-Guss and have shared our conversation below.

Elizabeth, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
One of my mentors today, Cathy Heller, says, ‘Purpose is the opposite of depression.’ As someone who battled severe depression and anxiety in my twenties, I can say that finding purpose and meaning is what helped me thrive, not just survive. At my lowest point, I wasn’t trying to end my life—I was trying to end the overwhelming despair and hopelessness.

My healing journey started with a self-help book called Life Sucks. It perfectly captured how I felt but became a turning point. I isolated myself without much support then, but through reading, I discovered a world of hope, healing, and spirituality beyond my upbringing. Each book offered me new insights and inspiration, teaching me how to cope, heal, and believe I could change my life.

Now, over 20 years later, I understand that purpose isn’t something you find once or a singular destination—it evolves. For the last decade, my purpose has been to share my mental health journey and raise awareness. Recently, though, I’ve felt my heart tugging in a new direction. My purpose has shifted toward sharing my 10-year journey with infertility and failed adoptions. I now feel called to build a community for women who are childless by chance, not by choice, offering them empathy, compassion, and a sense of belonging.

As I grew older, my purpose became to find meaning in my struggles and use that to help others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Born and raised in the Philippines, my life turned upside down when I migrated to the U.S. at 17. The culture shock was overwhelming, but it was my first step toward resilience. Since then, my journey has been both exciting and dramatic.

In my twenties, I fought for my life while battling mental illness. In my thirties, I rediscovered myself, learning who I truly was beneath the layers of struggle. Now, at 49 and soon to turn 50, this decade has been filled with highs and lows—fueling my passion, strengthening me through infertility and failed adoptions, and helping me redefine myself again. And I continue to evolve.

As I turn the page to this next chapter, I’m filled with gratitude. Every challenge has shaped me and helped me become the woman I am today—purposeful, intentional, and aligned with my true self.

This pivotal moment in my entrepreneurial journey has never felt more exciting. For nearly ten years, I ran an online store called Link of Hearts, selling meaningful products that raised awareness for mental health. I closed that chapter in December 2023. Now, my focus has shifted toward helping women like me who are childless by chance, not by choice.

I launched my podcast, By Chance Avenue: Sacred Conversations Around Being Childless By Chance, in May of this year. I chose Mother’s Day for its significance in our community. Also, ByChanceAvenue.com will launch a one-stop resource website for women who are childless by chance soon.

ByChance Avenue represents a sacred pathway– where women can honor their stories and move forward with intention, supported by a compassionate community. It’s both a destination and a journey of growth, self-discovery, and empowerment. The “Avenue” symbolizes a guided route where women can find inspiration, resources, and support as they move forward with grace, empathy, and authenticity.

In early 2025, I’ll launch an exclusive membership program focused on community, group coaching, learning, growing, and fun social gatherings. I’m also planning in-person events and retreats for next year. There are endless possibilities, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s to come in this new era.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I’ve developed several qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have been impactful in my journey, though I’m not sure if I always had them or if life’s challenges shaped them.

First is the skill of perseverance. Whether you call it tenacity, resilience, or grit, it’s about not giving up. Life was tough, but one thing I’m really proud of is that, I never stopped trying and never stopped learning how to push forward. That determination kept me going.

Second is the power of empathy. My heart has been “broken open” too many times, but those experiences opened me up to truly understand others’ pain. It’s allowed me to connect deeply with people, meet them where they are, and make them feel seen and heard. That, to me, is the greatest gift you can offer anyone.

Lastly, communication. I grew up in an environment where open communication wasn’t the norm, so I made it a priority to learn how to be open, honest, and transparent with others. For me, it was about healing and being true to myself. Now, I make a conscious effort to communicate with respect, authenticity, and vulnerability.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to be radically honest with yourself. Build your self-awareness—without shame or judgment. Ask yourself what you really need, want, and why you’re doing what you’re doing. Often, your own needs align with those of others, and when you understand this, you become more empathetic. Focus on your dreams and passions, as they are reason enough to keep going. Focus on your ‘why.’ Being honest with yourself helps you see the power of communication, both for being understood and for truly understanding others.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m seeking to collaborate with women who are childless by chance, not by choice. If you’re a woman who once hoped to have children, be it due to infertility, medical issues, singleness, or marrying later in life, and it didn’t happen, I’d love to connect with you.

I’m looking for women who are ready to share their stories as guests on the podcast or through articles about living a childless life. If you’re interested in contributing content and resources for ByChanceAvenue.com, or want to be part of a community of women ready to move forward and live their best lives, I’d love to hear from you.

Please note this isn’t a support group. It’s a community for women who honor their stories with all their tenderness, embrace life, and are committed to growing, learning, and thriving—not just surviving.

You can connect with me through my website, bychanceavenue.com, or email me at hello@bychanceavenue.com.

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