Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobbi Jo Domitrovich
Bobbi Jo, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started out working as a back-up receptionist for a small computer consulting company. How I got the job you ask? Well, it was back in the day where you sent resumes out in the mail. I created my resume, printed off 50 copies, got in my car and drove to every business and building in a very busy industrial park. Building 2 of Park Manor had 4 floors. My first stop was the management office and then up the elevator to the 2nd floor where I proceeded through a side door into the consulting company. I literally walked around as if I was an employee to get a feel for what it was like working for a corporation. Coming from a small town and being only 19, everything felt big and exciting. I liked the feel so I found the front desk and asked if they were hiring. The office manager was standing there and to my luck, she took my resume and called me a day later. I spent 9 years working my way up through the company to the Executive Administrator to the Vice President. My associates degree in business management only took me so far and I knew I had to get more work experience. I also wanted to go back and finish my bachelors degree. I quit, found a job with a bigger company, went back to school, and spent another 8 years in marketing, administrative, event planning, recruiting, and Human Resources.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. One reason was that I did not have the confidence in myself to pursue bigger opportunities when I was younger. I held myself back A LOT. I constantly had to force myself to step out of my comfort zone. A big mistake that I made early on in my career was not taking the opportunity for advancement in the recruiting arena. I had a wonderful boss who saw my potential but I was so afraid I wouldn’t succeed that I stayed as his admin. If I would have taken that new path, I wouldn’t have had to struggle to move up in the corporate world and I wouldn’t have had to start at the bottom again. I was afraid to leave him because he was so kind to me and I truly loved my job. That hurt me in my career path. Once I moved to the new company, I had to start basically at zero in an entry-level receptionist position and work my way up again. By the time I quit to pursue my own business, I had had several bosses and was pretty efficient in learning on the go, relying on myself, and navigating the corporate world while being patient and flexible. My last boss was very tough, critical, unsupportive, and verbally abusive. Working for him the last 3 years of my corporate career toughened me up and pushed me in the direction I needed. It was then that I knew I wanted to work for myself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the Creator/Owner of a blog called Two Adorable Labs. In my little corner of the internet, I help people with pet health and ownership while showcasing my two Labradors who I lovingly named Jake Thomas and Maggie Rose. Jake’s middle name is my husband’s name and Maggie’s middle name is after my favorite flower, the rose. I also love the Magnolia flower but Maggie Magnolia just didn’t roll off the tongue so easily. This blog has grown into my creative outlet incorporating all that I love such as cooking, baking, interior design, gardening, etc.
My business background helped me launch the blog, start an online store, write three cookbooks, and develop a hand-poured soy based candle line called Two Adorable Labs. In between the time I spent working full time at my corporate job and starting my blog in 2017, I had a custom jewelry design business where I designed custom jewelry for my customers and small boutiques around the country.
I’m most proud of making our house a home. I love interior design and fashion. I love color and making a room feel cozy and comfortable while staying on trend. I love fashion and always try to look my best. I always say “if you are having a bad day, just put on some lipstick and mascara and your mood will improve!”
I’ve been told that I sparkle. That makes me laugh and happy at the same time. I don’t know if it’s true but I think it’s a nice compliment. I’m also known for being a huge animal lover. I know this doesn’t set me apart from others but saving Jake and Maggie from a terrible breeder was one of my biggest accomplishments. They were bred into terrible living conditions and were extremely sick when we got them. We got the call that they needed a home and without ever meeting them, we made the commitment to take both dogs and drove over an hour to pick them up. My husband I spent many hours and much money to get them back to health. This is the reason I started the blog to not only promote animal health but to advocate for Adopt Don’t Shop. Jake and Maggie turned 7 in June and are happy, healthy, and very spoiled.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I’ve was the type of person who always tried to fit a round peg into a square hole. I’ve never been one to give up but I’ve learned to put things into perspective, trust my gut instinct, formulate a plan, and proceed. I’ve learned to trust myself without hesitation and rely on my intuition. It never fails me. And I don’t force a round peg into a square hole anymore :-).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.twoadorablelabs.com
- Instagram: @twoadorablelabs
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/twoadorablelabs
