We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cortney C. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cortney below.
Hi Cortney , thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My mom always taught me from a young age the importance of working towards your dreams and goals. Watching her set and complete her own personal goals showed me that anything is possible. Set backs will happen but it is how you react to them is what really defines you. I watched her raise me alone, while working full time and maintaining a household. She worked many hours to save up to move us from an apartment to a 3 bedroom house. I am very thankful for all of her sacrifices. One of the hardest things I had to do as an adult was leaving my hometown to move to a bigger city for better job opportunities and housing. My mom was able to help set me up for success by helping me with furniture and other items for my apartment while I saved my money for my deposit and moving expenses. She has always supported my career decisions every step of the way.
Cortney , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a published model/influencer. I got into this business during a time when I was in between jobs and I was trying to figure out what my career move should be. I started posting more products and things that I use in my daily life and giving reviews on them. I only work with brands that I feel I can relate to their mission statement or I love the product that they offer. I always want to give my viewers an authentic review of a product or service I am featuring. What problems I solve for clients: I am able to put a diverse face to a brand or company that people who look like me may not have heard of or had interaction with that product or service yet. What sets me apart from others in my field of work is I have built my brand/influence from the ground up all while working a full time job and maintaining many other responsibilities. I am most proud of the goals I set and accomplished for myself over the last 10 years. I have made a commitment to myself to stay true to my personal goals and also to not let down those around me I love the most. One of my proudest moments was being able to walk in a charity fashion show (House Of DSM) that gave the profits to an organization (Dorothy’s House) that helps survivors of human trafficking. I love being in a position to give back and help others. One of the main things I would like potential clients/followers/fans to know is I love working with different people/companies! I am honest but kind in my feedback on any product or service that is sent to me and my DMs are always open to connect and meet new friends or potential clients for collaborations.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I used to work in retail for much of my early twenties throughout college and afterwards. I struggled with the unstable hours and inconsistent pay with little to no benefits. Working in retail teaches you a lot of valuable life skills. How to multitask, communicate, collaborate with a team, and being flexible. I pivoted over to the tech industry and I have been much happier. I love the challenges that come with my new career and there is always something I can learn or do. I encourage more young people to go into STEM fields.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
A book I read recently that I highly recommend to everyone regardless of your spiritual journey… is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It teaches about not judging others, making assumptions and to have more empathy for other humans. Everyone is going through something. We must strive to all be more kind to each other.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/cortneyco26
Image Credits
Hailey Held