We recently connected with Pamela Davis and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Pamela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I feel like I lived “risk adverse” for most of my life..lol. I’ve always been the person to play within the boundaries that were set out for me. But, I would find a way to add my flair to it (e.g. Buying a car before I had a license”). However, as I’ve matured. I learned that the greatest risks that I would need to take, would be in relation to how I see myself. It would also be in regards to how I see “my vision”.
I struggled with “imposter syndrome” for many years. I was comfortable being comfortable in other folk’s expectations of me for a long time. But, when it came to starting “The Well Done Life”, I made the decision to bet on me. I made the decision to decide to use the hard times to help encourage someone else on the journey. I made a decision to believe that I could offer value to other women by connecting us through conversations. I made the decision to believe that other people would see “my vision” of helping other women grow through our stories; and that they would see and support my vision. It’s been one of the best risks I’ve ever taken. It’s also been one of the hardest.
Being vulnerable about our journey is never easy. I’ve got a lot of “thorny spots” ..lol. But, through starting “The Well Done Life” I’ve been able to heal. I’ve also been able to find my confidence and community. This journey has brought my team into the light. I don’t hide my vision in any circumstance anymore. When I changed jobs earlier this year. That was one of the first things I shared with my Leadership team. I never would’ve done that before. I also felt like I had to separate my “vision” from my career to avoid any scrutiny. But, not any longer. I can’t hide something that’s a part of me. The Well Done Life is an extension of my heart. I can ‘t hide that.
That’s why it’s a risk. When you share something you love so much with others, that’s the greatest risk you can make. It’s the vulnerability and growth that has taken my brand/podcast to the next level. It also allowed me to find my lane. My lane is inspiring women to share their journey with other women to help us grow and learn from each other. This is who I am. I will always be the women to want to see other women win. I don’t know if I would’ve tapped into that without taking a chance on me. To me that’s most important thing someone can do. You have to take a chance on you. You’re worth the risk.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
The Well Done Life Brand/Podcast was a ten year + labor of love. I started this brand with the vision that by creating “safe spaces” for women to share their journey, the good and bad to help them see that there is light on the other side. There are lessons to be learned, and visions to be birthed through connection/conversations. The podcast was the first aspect of the brand. It’s the foundation.
The podcast is my journey and connections to show that they journey to a life lived “well done” is constantly evolving. It’s like us. We’re always changing. That’s the beauty of our lives. Our growth and evolution shows that God’s plan for us is still developing. I took that belief and transition into my website, www.thewelldonelife.com.
On the website, I provide content that women can leverage in their every day lives. I also have options for one on one connections, group sessions, daily newsletters, etc. My vision is that we will grow into events soon too. It’s on my radar to do one in 2023. Again, it’s all about connecting and sharing. That’s the key to a “well done” life.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The greatest thing I’ve had to unlearn is my concern about numbers and promotional opportunities. This was actually pivotal in my journey as I started the podcast. I previously was a caregiver/lifestyle blogger. During that time I was super focused on growing and gaining promotional campaigns. I did great. But, I felt that I was lacking the community and substance that I craved. I found that I didn’t fit into the conventional standards of influence, and I felt isolated because of it. I also lost interest in building my platform because it didn’t reflect who I was. I was evolving and needed to take a radical approach to get new results.
I made the decision when I started my podcast to focus on just three things: great content, consistency, and community. I made the decision to not try to monetize and/or generate promotional partnerships; and it’s the best decision I made. Having this focus has allowed me to preserve the fun and authenticity of my creative journey. It’s also allowed me to focus on building community. I’ve made connections that have turned into friendships. That’s been worth any money I could make on promotion. Promotion will come in time. I just don’t make it a top priority. I think a lot of creatives/influencers make that mistake. Focus on the craft and the community, your intention will lead the money right to you.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I wish I had just one. But, I feel like I’m resilient everyday..lol. I’m resilient everyday because I’ve made the bold decision to focus on my vision, work a full-time job, be a caregiver to my mother and sister, while still carving out a life for myself. There are so many women living a life very similar to mine. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. We have to talk more about the resilience shown in just trying to exist..lol. But, seriously it’s something to talk about. We have to show women that you don’t have to give up on yourself to have a family. Your dreams are still possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thewelldonelife.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewelldonelifepodcast/?hl=en
- Twitter: @IamPamelaLDavis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJGyVQYhQUxkhLozMez01w
Image Credits
Photographer: Shakira Nae Photos