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

Toni Newman

Over 15 years ago after having difficulty, I was finally hired by Equality California as a fundraiser under the leadership of John O’Connor. I was trying to find meaningful employment for so long and I was interviewing yet no opportunities came my way. When you are looking for a meaningful position and you have the qualifications but yet you keep getting rejected it hits deep. I kept looking and interviewing but as an educated black trans woman and a degree from Wake Forest University, I found no success. Read more>>

Hannah Jackson

I’m excited to share my story because I see a lot of fellow aestheticians who are just starting out getting really discouraged so hopefully my story can provide hope and motivation. My first job in my industry was less than ideal. I interviewed at a lot of places but rarely do you get lucky with the dream job in aesthetics without any experience. Read more>>

Mindy Mylrea

I had just moved back to CA from NYC in the early 80’s. My career goal was to become an actress in NYC but that had turned out harder then I had thought. My family lived in CA so my plan was to come home to safety, regroup, and plan my future. I immediately got a part time gig at a local theater company and was acting which I loved but it wasn’t quite paying the bills. I was also an avid exerciser. Back then there was no formalized fitness classes as there are now so I ran and lifted weights at a local racquet ball court. I started following a women named jonie Greggins who was on early morning TV leading “aerobics” and fell in love. (a few years late I was actually on her show but that is a different story). I thought that teaching aerobics would be a great gig for me. I loved teaching in general and I loved exercising. But again there were no aerobic studios or gyms that had this new word “Aerobics” so I thought well I better educate the racquet ball court. Read more>>