Experience is often valued because of the lessons prior jobs have theoretically provided us with. While hearing about those lessons isn’t a replacement for actually experiencing it, we thought it would be very helpful to create a space where sharp and generous members of the community can come together to share stories and lessons learned at prior jobs for the benefit of others.

Abby Taylor

I worked in Family Social Services for years before becoming my own boss. During this season, I encountered many people with MANY emotions. Things were usually high-stress for our clients as they were trying to figure out how to make ends meet or look for support during a hard time in their lives. So many lessons were learned as I witnessed and walked through some rough scenarios with these families. Read more>>

Carmen Greenard-Varnum

I started working my first job at the age of 16 at Krystal’s fast foods. I was trying to save some money my senior year of high school before leaving in the fall for college. I was raised in foster care and later adopted. Life for me wasn’t easy by no means. Read more>>

Zae C

I would have to say my experience in every previous field has impacted the way I run my business. For started I used to work retail at a shoe store. There I learned how to calculate, distribute, and store inventory as well as point of sale tips. I also have managed offices In the dental field and this is where I can say my accountant as well as customer services skills gained great seasoning. Read more>>

LISA MCFADDEN

Freelancing in fashion was the best experience that helped shape my career in the industry. I worked through agencies as a designer, illustrator and technical designer at various apparel firms, large and small and on various product categories. Broad exposure to the interior landscape of fashion taught me more than one can imagine. Read more>>

Kameke Payne

As a business owner, one of the things that has been helpful to me is to be someone who is always willing to learn new things and improve my skills. This allows me to be seen as an expert in my field, while also ensuring that I am not limited in the ways in which I may continue to add value to my professional development as an entrepreneur. Read more>>

Sally Thomas-Chattard

I have in worked in customer service for 20 years at Wayne County Community College District. Working at WCCCD we often had extensive customer service training. I learned at an early age that customer service is the key to any successful business. Working for the community college students come from all walks of life. I learned to treat all people with dignity and respect. Read more>>