Stephanie Rice launches prayer board business after 130 job rejections
After 130 job rejections, former Olympic swimmer Stephanie Rice launched a prayer board business.
Stephanie Rice, who changed her surname to Lassey after marrying pastor Mark Lassey in 2025, spent eight months applying for corporate roles with no success. Stephanie Rice was offered a CEO position 18 months ago but resigned before starting, saying she felt called to a different path.
After her job search stalled, she prayed for a business idea and says one came to her six months earlier during a prayer walk. Stephanie Rice has now launched a company selling prayer board kits that combine stationery, crafts, and Christian faith.
Within one week of committing fully to the business, Rice says she has experienced "more open doors and provision than the last four months combined." She started about eight businesses over the years, but says this is the first aligned with her faith.
- 130
- Job rejections
- 8
- Months applying for jobs
- 8
- Previous businesses attempted
- 38
- Current age
Why it mattersRice's story shows how a change in direction, from job hunting to launching a purpose-driven business, can shift momentum quickly.
AustraliaAustralian Olympic stars often struggle to build careers after their sporting peak; Rice's path demonstrates how Australians reinvent themselves in midlife.
