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

Taylor Pearl

I started my fitness journey by offering free classes to the public. With a genuine passion for helping others lead healthier lives, my goal was to share my knowledge and engage with the community. I collaborated with local venues, choosing picturesque locations like the beach and park to hold my classes. I utilized social media and collaborations to expand my reach. Read more>>

Julie Fernandez

I began teaching yoga to at-risk youth and survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence throughout New York City. The practice of yoga was positively impacting the students and I wanted to continue to deepen my work with clients to help them heal from their traumas. While still living in New York, I connected with an Integrative Psychiatrist in Los Angeles that was helping his patients get off of their medications and embrace a more holistic approach to healing. Read more>>

Ashlyn Kelleppan

In winter of 2022 when I was completing my final year at Bastyr University to earn my Master of Science in Nutrition/Didactic Program in Dietetics degree, I made the decision to not pursue the typical internship route after graduate school to become a Registered Dietitian. Though I was given the chance and opportunity to accept an internship and begin that journey, I realized that this did not feel like something that I absolutely needed to do, nor wanted to particularly continue in this specific way. Read more>>

Dr. Rachel Jalanivich PT, DPT

I was in high school, taking a medical education class, and everyone else wanted to go into nursing. I was the only one who wanted to go into PT. I got the chance to work as an intern in a PT clinic for my high school class. I loved it! Read more>>

Sara Heilman

After overcoming anxiety, depression and disordered eating, plus losing 65 pounds through improved diet and exercise, I became a certified personal trainer, and nutrition and health coach. A friend who owned a private personal training studio was becoming overwhelmingly busy and brought me onto the team as a trainer. I could relate to a lot of the weight loss clientele, and helped them navigate the ups and downs of their health journey with training, as well as nutritional guidance. Read more>>

Leigh Purtill

When I graduated from college, I moved back to my hometown and hoped to buy a local dance studio that a woman I knew was selling. Unfortunately it didn’t work out and I ended up asking the woman who did purchase it for a job. At the time I had been teaching jazz to children and teens so naturally I applied to be a jazz instructor. My interview consisted of me teaching a jazz class to the new owner. Read more>>

Sean McBride

I’ll be the first to admit, I never in a million years thought I would do work in the public health field. Not to say I’m a bad or uncaring person, it’s more I just had always deferred to the experts when it comes to matters of health and medicine, assuming I never really had anything to offer. It’s funny how a worldwide pandemic changes things. Read more>>

Tysheira Maddox

When I was in undegrad, I was a psychology major. Ultimately after graduating, I wanted to do something different for about 2 years and then continue back on my path to become a therapist. I went for a Teach for America opportunity but didn’t make it to the final rounds. I was pretty bummed out about it because I wanted to relocate and do something different before going to graduate school. Read more>>