Meet Hilary Afshary | Author & Podcast Host, Wife & Mother who enjoys hiking, skiing, traveling, yoga, meditating, reading, and spending time with friends and family

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hilary Afshary and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hilary, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
There are four practices I believe truly shaped my path to success: patience, perseverance, discipline—and a generous sprinkle of hard work.

Take, for example, my first job hunt after graduate school. A friend had kindly referred me to a manager in Intel’s Public Affairs department. I picked up the phone—yes, we actually made phone calls in the ‘90s—and reached out. His admin asked me to email my resume and said he’d be in touch. Weeks passed with no response. So, I called again. Same message. I waited a bit, followed up again. Nothing. But every couple of weeks, like clockwork, I’d call to check in.

This went on for nearly three months.

Then one day, during my usual follow-up call, the admin surprised me with: “He’d like you to come in next week.”

That moment opened the door to a ten-year career at Intel—doing what I loved most: community relations.

Looking back, it’s clear:

–Patience kept me steady for those 3–4 months.
–Perseverance kept me reaching out, determined to get a clear answer—yes or no.
–Discipline kept me on schedule with my follow-ups.

And when I finally got the job? Hard work took over. But because I was passionate about the work, it never felt like work. It became a deeply fulfilling career filled with lessons, relationships, and memories that still stay with me.
And here’s the twist: years later, one of my mentors shared their golden rule for investing—patience, perseverance, and discipline. Funny how the same principles apply to both careers and compound interest.

Turns out, they really do work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Right now, two things fill me with immense pride, excitement, and a deep sense of accomplishment—besides, of course, the cherished relationships I have with my friends and family: publishing “Dorm to Doorstep” and hosting “Your Daily Three Meditation.”

“Dorm to Doorstep”, published this past May, has been a true passion project years in the making. Initially, I designed the entire book myself using online software. But soon I realized this project deserved so much more. I set out to find a graphic designer who could connect with my readers—and after months of searching, a friend introduced me to an incredible young woman, Taylor Lovell. Together, we worked closely to transform the book into a visually captivating guide that truly speaks to young women ages 15 to 21.

Dorm to Doorstep tackles life’s challenges and opportunities with a blend of fun, humor, and practical wisdom. It’s layered like a favorite ice cream sundae—rich, delightful, and designed to satisfy both the heart and mind:

• Glow Up, Girl (the ice cream): Personal Growth & Insights
• Glam Bam, Thank You Ma’am (the sauce): Fashion, Beauty & Wellness
• Laced with Grace (the whipped cream): Relationships & Demeanor
• Gather Round with Goodness (the cherry on top): Tips & Tidbits for Daily Living

Young women can pick up Dorm to Doorstep, read page to page or casually open to for the AHA of day. Every word comes from my place of truth from my own life and raising a daughter. Thoughtful, respectful, and real — words young women will WANT to read. Words that make them pause, stories that stick, and moments that leave them smiling—or even laughing out loud.

The self-publishing journey is definitely not for the faint of heart. As I navigated each step, I found myself craving a way to express daily gratitude and set clear intentions. When I couldn’t find a practice that truly resonated with me, I created “Your Daily Three” meditation—knowing there might be others, especially young women, who would appreciate a simple, accessible daily ritual.

Designed to fit into just three minutes—because sometimes that’s all the time we have—Your Daily Three has supported me and many others through more than 100 episodes, helping us give thanks and center ourselves in intention.

I’m deeply grateful that Dorm to Doorstep soared to #1 New Release in College Guides for May and continues to spark conversations on podcasts and in the media. But the journey is far from over; it’s an ongoing adventure filled with challenges and rich opportunities for growth.

I’m beyond thankful for how far I’ve come and excited to keep moving forward—helping as many young women as possible as they navigate life away from home.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So fun! Most definitely, I would combine city and mountain locales including:

Denver:
Cherry Creek as that is where I live. Shopping Cherry Creek North – definitely the Artisan Center (and btw, they carry my book), Aviano for coffee, Mendocino Farms for a quick lunch on the go, Bilboquet, Le Colonial, Little Ollie’s, Cherry Creek Grill/Hillstone – no shortage of dinner places. Drinks on the rooftops – Rare Bird Rooftop (and I hear they now have a pizza oven!) or Jacquard. Exercise – CorePower Cherry Creek!
Gaylord/South Pearl shopping. Two of my favorites are Wish Gifts and Common Threads Denver (great consignment store).
Wash Park for a walk; Red Rocks for an event or a hike, and downtown for museum hopping at History Colorado or the Denver Art Museum. For a day trip, head out to Boulder and walk Pearl Street, eat at the Rio and visit Chautauqua Park.
And, of course, a rooftop at my house to introduce my out of town guest to all of my Denver besties.

Colorado Springs for the Day
Garden of the Gods, Manitou Climb if ambitious and brunch at the Broadmoor (is there any better in CO?)

The Vail Valley for 2-3 nights!
Lunch at Beaujo’s on the way up or back. Hike Berry Picker or ski the back bowls, take in a concert at Ford Park or ice skate in Lionshead or Beaver Creek, shop at Holy Toledo (my very favorite consignment store), brunch at Hovey & Harrison or the Vintage and dinner at Tavernetta, Mountain Standard or Elways. Dancing at Shakedown Street or drinks at the Lookout in the Westin. Apres? Definitely the Ritz Bachelor Gulch or the Westin Avon lobby. And, maybe a line dancing lesson at Route 6.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh my goodness, I could never choose just one. Mentors have been absolutely essential in guiding, elevating, and inspiring me throughout my life. TJ, Shelly, Regan, Ali, Mr. Pete, friends and family…the list goes on and on.

Most recently, Judith Briles, the Book Shepherd, helped me achieve my dream of publishing my first book, “Dorm to Doorstep – Tips, Tidbits and Tales Every Young Woman Will WANT to Read,” a color-filled guidebook for young women preparing for life away from home at college or in their first apartment. Judith was instrumental in teaching me the ins and outs of self-publishing and marketing. I truly couldn’t have done it without her.

Which brings me to a golden rule I weave throughout Dorm to Doorstep:
Life is about people, People!

That’s been the consistent truth behind every success I’ve had—from the wisdom of elder family members to the encouragement of friends and the mentorship of generous guides. People have given me a place to connect, contribute, care, and love. And in return, they’ve opened doors, offered perspective, and lifted me toward my passions.

I like to tell young people to treat their relationships like their favorite stuffie they had as a child. Cherish. Nature. Maintain for the long haul. No matter how ragged they get, If they get germy or toxic, know when to let them go and replace. But do REPLACE them.

Website: https://hilaryafshary.com

Instagram: hilary.afshary

Linkedin: hilary-afshary-64193b5

Facebook: https://afshary.hilary

Other: TikTok: hilary.afshary; Spotify/Apple Podcasts: Your Daily Three Meditation; Threads: hilary.afshary

Image Credits
No credits. All were snapshots.