About Becoming Bolder
A place to get curious about your life, connect with other women, and explore what comes next. You are welcome just as you are.
Who We Are
We’re Rachel Merrill and Christa Sutton. We bring different strengths, a shared love of honest conversation, and enough humor to keep things interesting. Rachel brings structure and creative solutions. Christa brings intuition and connection. Neither of us believes you need to have it all figured out.
Becoming Bolder started with a misunderstanding. On a Saturday, Christa mentioned creating a mastermind. By Monday, Rachel had a whole master course mapped out. “So…do you know the difference between a mastermind and a master course?” Christa asked. “Apparently not,” Rachel said, packing up her notes. Christa stopped her: “Oh no, I’m in! I just wanted to make sure you knew the difference.”
That’s us: different perspectives, honest conversations, and a willingness to build something together. We want other women to feel what we found in each other—safe, heard, valued, and supported enough to try the next thing. We won’t blow smoke or skip the hard conversations. We will be in your corner.
Meet Rachel and Christa
Rachel Merrill
Co-Founder
Here’s the thing: I love a good system, a clear plan, and a perfectly timed smart-ass comment. I’m direct, but kindness comes with it. You can be organized and feel everything. Both things can be true.
I once thought my whole future was in healthcare. After years of work, school, and pushing through, I left my master’s program with one class to go. Starting over was terrifying. Staying on a path that no longer worked for me was scarier. Coaching brought me back to what I missed most: connecting with people.
Now I help women ask honest questions, untangle the next step, and get comfortable being uncomfortable—without piling on more guilt or shame. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Health Sciences from The College of Idaho, with a background in healthcare, government, and organizational leadership.
Outside this work, I have a husband I adore and a beautiful cat who absolutely knows it.
Christa Sutton
Co-Founder
I love coffee, Jesus, and Coca-Cola—not necessarily in that order. I usually have a smart-ass comment ready, a big heart, and a reminder that you don’t have to have everything figured out. I certainly don’t.
I know what it feels like to be made to feel “less than.” I want women to have a place where being weird, silly, honest, and unapologetically themselves is welcome. Sometimes what you need most is somebody in your corner, even when you’re still working out your next move.
I’ve been coaching since 2010, with a focus on mental energy management and burnout prevention. I’m also the co-founder of Ideal Personality, LLC, and bring experience leading personality-assessment and networking organizations.
At Becoming Bolder, I bring intuition, connection, humor, and a willingness to have the hard conversation with kindness. Come as you are. There’s room for you here.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Becoming Bolder?
Becoming Bolder is a personal development coaching and community experience for people navigating change, questioning what they want from life, or working toward a more intentional way of living. We combine real conversations, practical tools, and meaningful support so personal growth doesn't remain something you only read or think about.
Who is the BOLDER Collective for?
The BOLDER Collective is for people seeking greater clarity, connection, and direction as they navigate change. You might be feeling stuck, facing a transition, or realizing that a life that looks good no longer feels like yours.
How can community support me through change?
Change can feel less isolating when you have space to reflect, share honestly, and learn alongside others. The BOLDER Collective brings personal growth and community together as you explore your next chapter.
What if my life is good, but I still want something more?
Wanting more doesn't make you ungrateful, selfish, or incapable of appreciating what you already have. Sometimes it means that you have outgrown an old definition of success and are ready to explore what meaning, fulfillment, and well-being look like now.
How can I explore the BOLDER Collective?
Visit our Community page to explore the BOLDER Collective, see membership details, and find your next step.
Is coaching the same as therapy?
No. Therapy can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, while coaching focuses on your present circumstances, future goals, personal growth, and the actions required to move forward. Becoming Bolder provides coaching, education, tools, and community - not mental health treatment - and some people choose to participate in coaching and therapy at the same time.
Where can I find membership pricing?
Current BOLDER Collective membership details and pricing are available on our Community page. Review the terms shown at enrollment before joining.
Have a question before joining?
Use the contact form below to ask Rachel and Christa about the Collective. We will help you understand the next step before you join.
