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

Laurén Laurino

My position in my field, “Holistic Health” as a licensed massage therapist known as “America’s Holistic Sweetheart” is a cumulative experience. It’s one that I’ve created. It’s taken me over a decade living uncomfortably, yet believing, that “there’s gotta be something more” according to that Sugarland song. Plus it’s bigger than me, it’s being brave both for myself and others. Figuring out that if anyone has got to do it, its got to be me and I must live my truth and lead by example. Read more>>

Helene Williams

I had been working as a registered nurse in a free-standing hospice facility for five years and knew that it was time to move on after I began experiencing burnout. As strange as it sounds, I still look back on that job as one of the most fulfilling because it gave me the ability to be a true bedside nurse and to work compassionately with patients and families. Read more>>

Rickey Flagg II

I got my first contract when I was 22 after only 6 years of training. I was studying at The Dance Theatre of Harlem and they had a partnership with the Charlotte Ballet that acted as a feeder program for the Professional Training Students to transition into the field. The director came to one of our performances and he chose me! After that I had to send in some audition footage as a formality and there you have it. Booked! When I got there the environment was nice, the dancers were welcoming and the rep was good! I only stayed one season but I enjoyed my time while I was there. Read more>>

Kim Honeycutt

At the age of 24, I woke up in the primary medical detox unit at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. Although I had certainly awakened in much worse places during my active alcoholic days, I knew I wanted to be anywhere but there. I left against medical advice (AMA). One week later, I came to, and once again, someone had placed me at Mercy’s detoxification facilities. But this time, I stayed, and my life completely changed. Two years later, armed with a graduate degree, I started my first post-graduate job at that very detox unit!” Read more>>