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

Alexandria Waycott

A bit of a backstory: I knew that I would be a yoga teacher when I was 5 years old, after I attended my first yoga class with my mom. Fast forward to my first year of undergraduate school as an English Lit major, I completed my first yoga teacher training. It was a month-long intensive, and I was so eager to start teaching yoga that I actually started handing out resumes before the training program was even finished. I’d basically been waiting my whole life to teach yoga! I didn’t have any experience yet, but I was confident that I would find my way. I ended up teaching at a whole bunch of places right away, including gyms, studios, private residences, my university – even at a pharmacy that had an odd multipurpose room attached to it. Read more>>

Melanie Alarcon

Originally, I didn’t know what career I would choose for myself. I was born in Lima, Peru and came to the States when I was 7 months old with both my parents. Growing up in a first-generation immigrant family, I was always told I needed to have financially security to secure the best future for myself. To do so I was told I needed to pursue a career as a lawyer, doctor or dentist, since they could offer the most financial security in my parent’s mind. I remember always going back and forth between wanting to be a lawyer or doctor but not letting myself explore other professions. However, it never felt quite right. I didn’t feel like my passion was in either of those careers. Read more>>

Nicole Sturgill

My journey into the field of physical therapy began not as a professional calling, but as a necessity. In high school, I found myself in need of physical therapy following an injury. The experience was transformative. Beyond the physical healing, I discovered a passion for understanding the human body, and more importantly, a desire to help others achieve their fullest potential through rehabilitation. That initial spark led me to work for the very physical therapist who treated me—a professional relationship that lasted seven years. Read more>>

Melanie Oneche

It’s funny — when I think about how I started as a personal trainer, it wasn’t through a typical job listing or gym audition. It happened on a Jiu Jitsu mat.

Two years ago, I had fallen in love with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and was training regularly at a local academy. One of the coaches there, who I deeply respected, ran a conditioning class called JitFit — a strength and conditioning class designed to complement BJJ training. One day, she approached me and asked if I’d be interested in leading a class. Read more>>

Cathy Del Priore

I had absolutely no experience in nonprofits when I transitioned from a major entertainment business career spanning over 20 years. The Chair of GRACE, Michael Lanza, also a friend, encouraged me to take an interview at GRACE because he believed my extensive event experience could bring something fresh and valuable to the agency. Read more>>