We asked some brilliant entrepreneurs, artists and creatives to reflect on lessons they’ve learned at prior jobs. We’ve shared highlights below.
Brandy, Hailey, Rachel
Hailey: All three of us worked in different areas prior to/during the beginning stages of the podcast and each one of us at the time were in a very hard transitional season. For me personally, I had a boss who told me I was going to fail, I was dealing with extreme pressure to basically be perfect and nothing I did seemed good enough which really took a toll on me mentally. For a minute I doubted who I was destined to be; however, It was at this moment that my faith began to strengthen. Ultimately I ended up getting laid off in the midst of a pandemic, but looking back it was one of the best things that could have happened to me. Read more>>
Erin Hamby
One of the most important things I would say I took from all of my prior jobs combined is that if you pay attention, they give you the blueprint (and courage) to run your own business. Looking back, I’ve realized that what I’m doing now – both with real estate and RYBS – is everything I’ve been doing for the past 10 years. Apartment leasing gave me so much confidence to jump into the real estate world. I learned the importance of drawing up a proper contract and how to and how to maintain working with multiple people at a time. Read more>>
Ryann Lindsey
17 kids. In one year as an oncology nurse I watched seventeen kids die. For over a decade, I saw more sadness, death, fear and vulnerability then I was ready for. I actually became a photographer to remind myself of the good moments life brings. Little did I know, being a cancer nurse would guide me as an artist. You see even in their darkest days, my patients found joy. They found life. They found strength. I would watch a patient come in month after month, week after week, day after day, whether it was for a chemo infusion, blood transfusion, hydration, labs, scan, or a variety of other reasons. Read more>>
Christina Boudreaux
Where to start? Since I was eighteen, I’ve been a server, a lunch-lady, a key-holder at a family run jewelry store, a barista, a nanny, a social media manager at a car dealership, a blogger for Austin.com, a marketing manager at an Italian chain, and finally/currently, a marketing manager for an alcohol brand. (shout-out to Meridian Hive!) Read more>>
Narvie Madison
Prior to social media marketing, I handled insurance claims for 3 major Insurance companies. I went into the world of claims extremely niave and optimistic. 90% of customers you encounter are extremely upset to be involved in an insurance claim. I was the point of contact and the main receiver of any frustration these customers were experiencing. These experiences absolutely prepared me to handle intense criticism and hate that comes with creating on social media. You learn to compartmentalize and just get your job done. I’m extremely passionate about the content I create on social media, therefore it’s easier to take the negatives that come with it. Read more>>
Lacey L. Bakker
As soon as I was old enough to work, and for many years after, I worked in retail. My first job was as a clothing salesperson at a women’s retail chain. From there, I’ve sold everything from photography services to shoes and accessories and pretty much everything in between. When I became a publisher, I had no idea how my background in sales would be so essential! Customer service, marketing, sales, order processing, organization, and merchandising have all played significant parts in my career. Read more>>
Jaycee Haas
Like many creative artist, my early career days are a myriad of retail jobs, cooking jobs, baking jobs, middle management jobs. I do this because I feel maybe I am not ‘good’ enough, maybe Ive been told full time art isnt a viable career, I am told to do it in my free time as a hobby. I spent years working so hard for industries that didnt hold my heart. I would work 7 days a week to bartend and book bands and clean houses. I would arrive at 3am to make croissants and pies. Read more>>
Irwin Britton.
I worked for a company and me and my boss had a great relationship but it took for me to have a death in the family to understand and see that our relationship wasn’t in fact close or great and it taught me that no matter how close or friendly you are with someone NEVER GET too comfortable. Seasons change People Change! Read more>>
ELIZABETH CANTU
As a registered nurse of sixteen years, my experience has taught me so much. The majority of my nursing experience was in Trauma and Emergency services. Having a front row seat to so many that were suffering it gave me the perspective I needed in life to have gratitude every single day. Along with gratitude the environment reminded me of the need to care for myself and have a healthy outlet to process the traumic and difficult events that emergency service workers face day in and out on the job. Read more>>
Cristina Jones
While I am a creative person, every job I’ve had before starting my small business was customer service related. Years of retail, work as a makeup artist, reception, and working in the admissions department of a large Entertainment and Media University here in Orlando. My customer service experience has really helped me to understand the customer’s experience. My retail experience has really helped me to build my brand, and find my niche. As well as find the right feel and aesthetic when setting up at pop up markets or setting up my space in a store. Read more>>
Dr. Deborah Rinehart
In my previous career I was a registered nurse, and I spent that time in the ICU working with children and adults. I worked with incredibly talented professionals and learned lessons personally and professionally. But the one I carry with me is learning to listen and breath before I speak. During my nursing career, I became quick to react to situations and sometimes speak before thinking how it would affect someone. There was a physician I admired, he was a team leader and I observed how he interacted with fellow physicians, patients, nurses, and administration. Read more>>