We asked some fantastic entrepreneurs and creatives to tell us about their first job in their field. Check out their stories below.

Débora Spradling

I got my first job as a psychologist at a small private counseling practice in East Dallas. The opportunity came about through an old supervisor from my graduate school days, Dr. Courtney Nelson,—someone who had watched me grow throughout my training. What drew me into working with her was not only her clinical support and supervision, but that she always cared for me as a whole person, and made space for all of my values. That sense of alignment made me feel like this would be a great fit. But, of course, I was nervous. It was my first time stepping into a role where I was independent, responsible for my own clients. The responsibility felt weighty, but I also felt prepared. I trusted my clinical training and experience. I knew I had what it took to provide the best care for my clients, but there’s something about that first time—about standing on your own—that feels momentous. Read more>>

Tara Lee Oakley

I was at University studying Japanese and Management, but movement was more my idea of fun. I was never very academic and although I’m grateful I’ve been to University I think I only really went because I felt that I had to. I thought if I didn’t go to Uni I wouldn’t get a job. In my first year I joined the Middle Eastern Society and I started learning belly dancing. I absolutely loved it and even though I had never learnt to dance before something about this dance felt so right for my body. A few months later bored of working as a waitress in local restaurants I decided to head into a Lebanese Restaurant and ask if they needed a dancer. Sure enough they decided to give me a try- and that’s where it all started!!! I wasn’t a good dancer but what I lacked in skill I made up with fun. I was having the time of my life, shimming around the tables and making good money and even getting an amazing free dinner at the end. I was my perfect job!! Entertaining people, listening to music, dancing, meeting new people and having a such a good time. That was it- from there my work grew and grew and I ended up working as a professional belly dancer for over 20 years Read more>>

Shawn Milton

Sometimes you’re just in the right place at the right time. My very first job as a massage therapist was working for a very well-respected chiropractor named Dr. Mark Harris at Harris Chiropractic. Dr. Harris was warm and cared deeply for his patients. He taught me how to communicate effectively and actively listen to the patient. I worked for him for over 11 years. Small family-owned practices can be challenging at times, but the mentorship I gained from that experience is definitely a huge contributing factor for why I care so much today. Read more>>

Sydney White

The first nursing job I held was in a neurosurgery and otolaryngology step down unit at the University of Virginia. While I gained great experience there, my heart was in working with mothers and babies. One of my good friends was a charge nurse on our Mother/Baby unit, and connected me with the nurse manager. Right away, I felt like I had found my sweet spot, and quickly transferred to working in Mother/Baby. Our unit was a high-risk antepartum/postpartum unit, which meant we frequently had critically ill mothers or hospitalized for high risk pregnancies. Since these families were often in the hospital for many weeks, I deepened relationships with many of my patients. By creating a lasting relationship with these patients, I was able to give better and more personalized care. While the hospital environment can often give very standardized care, I came to appreciate how impactful tailored support can be in the intimate space of perinatal care. Read more>>