Run the race

It’s not how you start the race it’s how you run it.  As a child, I wanted to be an author and then craved security through corporate spaces.  I sought a degree in cinematography, saw the average work hours, and changed my focus to public relations. Then I discovered I’d be working the same amount of time, go figure. In 2009, I graduated from college at the height of the Great Recession. I tapped into my childhood passion and wrote three children and YA books. Then hurriedly sought to get accepted by an agent or publisher. After my 175th attempt, I gave up and found employment through a temp agency.

I became the go-to receptionist and executive assistant working in several offices within the Atlanta area for the next four years. During that time, I also leaped into start-up projects, and writing gigs, and utilized my degree and artistic side. I grew into the unhealthy habit of working 80 hours a week. This lifestyle transferred to the Washington DC area where I was encouraged to start my own business in 2015. I abandoned my contract jobs and in 2020 I expanded and brought on contractors to complete creative and tech projects. In August 2020, I contracted Covid and subsequently suffered 16 months of Long Covid. 

Nevertheless, the business grew as did a partnership with another company. In February 2021, I received my first writing contract with global distribution. I had to do something difficult as a partner and CEO, shift. I relinquished those positions to make room for something new.  All the skills I acquired in my race through 33 contract and salaried jobs respectively prepared me to be a leader, a reliable teammate, and most importantly a storyteller. I’m still running my race and the track is long.