We asked some fantastic entrepreneurs and creatives to tell us about their first job in their field. Check out their stories below.

Lakeisha Weeks

When I was in the 6th grade, we were introduced to different occupations and I decided the role that fit me best was nursing. I’ve always enjoyed caring for others and the salary was decent compared to most. It was until I reached my twenties that I decided to actually pursue my nursing career and I did it in small steps because I was already a mother of three. My very first job as a nurse was at a hospital and I did enjoy it but I wanted more. Read more>>

Amanda Donaldson

I was living in New Jersey but went to school in Scranton, Pennsylvania. I attended a five-year program where I received my bachelors, masters, and teaching certificate in five years. After graduation, my brother was in Tucson and my parents knew they would ultimately want to retire in Arizona, which would likely be in a few years. So I decided that rather than beginning a career in the east, I would pick up and move to the west coast where my family would all eventually be, plus the weather rarely disappoints! Read more>>

Rye Von

The first event design job I received was monumental for me. At the time I had been advertising for months without any leads and I was honestly beginning to lose faith. One of the dance moms at my daughter’s dance school was pregnant and hired me to decorate her baby shower. I was so nervous! At the time my main goal was to provide an amazing experience for her. I had been stalking Pinterest finding inspiration photos and gaining confidence to complete my first paid event. Read more>>

Donna Fatigato

It was June of 1980, and I was celebrating my seventeenth birthday. Like every teenager, I wanted my clothes to look just right, and I remember going through my closet to find the perfect outfit for my birthday celebration. But I couldn’t. Everything I tried on was too snug and made me look even heavier than I felt. At 17 years old, I felt defeated, overweight and insecure. My energy levels were low, and I was extremely uncomfortable. Read more>>