Have you witnessed a time when you industry reversed course on something important? We’d love to hear about it, because when these U-Turns are covered up we lose out on our ability to better evaluate the current direction of our industries.

Alison Hughey

Now, this is a story all about how my life got flipped-turned upside down. And I’d like to take a minute, just sit right there: now you’ve got an earworm from the town called Bel-Air! Music is a powerful stimulus, whether we read about it, hear it, or create it. As a board certified music therapist (MT-BC), I’m passionate about the many ways music can make the world a better place. Making music live with clients has long been the primary method I use in sessions. However, in the Spring of 2020, this had to shift due to Covid. Read more>>

Shannon York

I held onto my 9-5 position for years after I felt like I was being overworked and underpaid. I entered into healthcare as a cardiovascular sonographer in 2008 after spending the proceeding 15 plus years working as a veterinary technician. I felt that I needed to move into a career that paid better and provided more long term stability. After graduating, I easily found a job and spent the first decade of my career as a sonographer learning as much as I could and getting my foot into as many doors as possible. Early on, I accepted a position teaching ultrasound techniques to students and physicians. For years, I enjoyed the balance of caring for patients and educating, both of which I found equally as rewarding. The only aspects of my sonography career that I was not enjoying were related to the bureaucracy we call health care. Long hours, few raises, less qualified team members being promoted because of who they were, managing unmotivated individuals, etc. My dream was to open an independent educational firm and travel to facilities to teach the specialized ultrasounds that are not historically taught in sonography programs, however I was scared to take the leap. I was also scared to walk away from 401K, PTO, and insurance. In 2021, amidst covid, I finally leapt though, and the net appeared. Sky Vascular started with 3 employees and a little more than two years later, we have grown to ten. All ten of my amazing employees have an expert level of training in the subjects they educate on and they all work hard every time they go out into the field to represent Sky Vascular. Everyone takes pride in being part of the team and I would never be where I am without them. And the icing on the cake is that we get to travel the world teaching what we are passionate about. The lesson I hope to convey is that starting a business is scary and there are no guarantees. But the only thing that separates those that follow their dreams in entrepreneurial and those that don’t is being willing to roll your sleeves up and give it a try! There are others who likely have the same dream and will jump on board with you. Also, don’t be afraid to ask as many individuals you know for advice along the way. You do not have to have a business degree to be a successful business owner. I am so fulfilled to finally be combining the things I love (healthcare, travel, educating, and being a business owner) all into one. Read more>>

Darcia Boyd

I can remember several times I had a U-Turn in my career. I graduated from Baldwin Wallace College with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice. I thought I would become a police officer and eventually an undercover agent. Well that didn’t go as planned, as I worked several security guard positions as well as working in Corrections I knew quickly that I no longer wanted to work in the Criminal Justice Field. In 2014 I transitioned from working in corrections to working as a Mental Health Case Manager. I enjoyed working as a case manager so much that I decided to go back to school to obtain my Masters in Social Work. As much I enjoy case management I enjoy fashion just as much which led me to open my first boutique which you could say is my second U-Turn in my career. Back in 2017 I opened Studio Noelle Plus Size Clothing Boutique, my motto was “Embrace Thy Curves”. I carried stylish and comfy clothes for plus size women for 5 years. My business was focused on empowering and encouraging women to be comfortable in their own skin and embrace their bodies hence “Embrace Thy Curves”. Throughout the years my customers would often tell my how much they’ve began to embrace their bodies and how they started to love themselves more since coming inside my boutique. After my first 3 years in business having the boutique was no longer fun for me, I didn’t like the idea of being a “salesmen” it was draining honestly but I continued to push through. In 2021 I wanted to give up the business completely, I knew there was something more that I could do with fashion other than retail. Read more>>