Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sherri Roberts. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sherri, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
British business magnate and billionaire Sir Richard Branson said: “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity, but you are not sure you can do it, say ‘yes’ – then learn how to do it later!” I wholeheartedly embrace this philosophy. Ever since I relaunched my journalism career after homeschooling my children for 10+ years and going through a divorce, I’ve received opportunites that have required me to reach far beyond the confines of my comfort zone and skillset. The lesson I’ve learned: courage, persistence, resourcefulness, and kindness can take you nearly anywhere you want to go! Here are some of the highlights I’ve experienced:
1. MARKETING AND VIRTUAL CONSULTATION DIRECTOR FOR PLASTIC SURGEON DR. PATRONELLA
When I set out to pursue my dream media job after being a stay-at-home mom for 17 years, I had not formally written articles since my college days working as a reporter for the university newspaper and yearbook. At age 42, I found myself competing with hordes of attractive, new graduates for a digital content creator position at one of the top plastic surgery groups in the nation. Worries taunted me: “They have more impressive resumés. They are fresh out of college, brimming with new skills. You can write well, but how are you going to compete with that?”
After a 9-week interviewing process, I was among three candidates who made it to the final round. We took part in a competition, with each of us writing essays on assigned topics. Within a week, I was elated to receive a call from the hiring manager telling me the surgeons had made the decision to offer me the job!
When I started the position 11 years ago, I could write well but barely knew how to use a computer. I was constantly handed new challenges. Intimidating though this was, I worked hard to prove myself, absorbing as much knowledge as I could from those who possessed the expertise I needed to succeed. Eventually, I began producing videos, designing and writing newsletters, and collaborating on book chapters and articles. Today, I direct the marketing and virtual consultation programs for Dr. Patronella, who is widely considered one of America’s best plastic surgeons.
2. MODELING
At age 50, I was stunned when the world of modeling opened to me! While taking a photography class to further hone my professional skills, one of the photographers invited me to be his model for a photography session. Soon modeling invitations begin pouring in from photographers around the nation, and I received an invitation to model for a runway fashion show. Standing 5’3″ with a curvy physique and curly red hair next to a sea of 20-something tall, willowy models, I wrestled with feelings of inadequacy for the role and initially came close to declining the invitation. Ultimately I pushed past my fears and walked that runway! My rationale? I did not want my fear to be the force driving my decisions. A local talent agency signed me to a contract, and I am looking forward to exploring this unexpected, exciting chapter.
3. SCREENWRITING
As a journalist, writing non-fiction has always been my natural forté. So when a songwriter approached me to collaborate on writing television pilots and screenplays, I accepted the challenge! I’m now navigating the world of Hollywood: meetings with agents and producers. Like every new endeavor I’ve undertaken, I’ve gained expertise with each step of this journey.
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 background and context?
My communication skills were nurtured within my upbringing among a family of talented writers, public speakers, musicians and entrepreneurs. I’ve learned that I have good instincts about people, branding, and business. These instincts in combination with my communication expertise have been invaluable in my career. I recognize the unique gifts within every individual and have learned how to effectively showcase these.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I’ve learned not to let critics define me. When you muster the courage to pursue new challenges and share the fruit of your efforts with the world, there will be detractors who seek to tear you down due to differences in opinion, personality, preferences, and/or envy and insecurities. I’ve learned to press on instead of giving up, to learn from valid constructive advice and incorporate these insights to improve weak areas.
Is there a mission driving your creative journey?
I credit a 1910 quote from American president Theodore President, which I’ve copied below, for driving me. I’ve read that one of the most common regrets of the dying is this: that they did not live a life true to themselves, but did what other people expected of them. I try to live true to my own compass and instincts both professionally and personally, with these thoughts bolstering my courage to do so when doubts and criticism arise, threatening to extinguish my efforts and progress forward.
“The Man in the Arena,” from a speech by President Theodore Roosevelt at the Sorbonne, Paris, France (1910)
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sroberts_red
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherriroberts.texas/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherri-roberts-1988113a/
Image Credits
Jordan Fischels, Daniel Tyrone, Riddick Angelique Gioldasis