Note: I received a promo copy of Miss Jessie's book.
When the Miss Jessie’s team asked me to talk about my life changing career moment, I was very happy to share. First of all, I saw a Miss Jessie's ad in Essence back in 2005 (I think)--and it pushed me over the edge. I had to go natural ASAP. Ten years later, I'm writing a post about their book and super successful brand. Alright, now for the topic du jour. I talked about the first revelation here, but soon realized there was a much bigger picture.
I’ve worked in the world of social media for the last six years. I’ve worked for networks like Travel Channel and National Geographic, and I’m currently doing it for one of the top ten universities in the nation. It's just one of those things that has been a passion project for a long time. My interest in web design, however, got really really intense this Summer.
I was taking web design classes at work, learning CSS and JavaScript, experimenting and playing around. And then I decided to use what I learned on my blog. And I loved the changes. Then I became obsessed with it. Every time I turned around, I was creating a wireframe for a new blog design, or creating a character map for a media kit. I was up until 2-3 in the morning teaching myself how to edit certain codes, breaking layouts, and crafting color schemes.
So on February 16, I officially launched The Haute Blogger Design Co. I sell premade Wordpress templates for bloggers to purchase and edit as they see fit. I also created a handful of media kits, which I particularly love, and sold them too. It's an amazing feeling to take a goal and follow through. I get butterflies every time someone buys something. Everyday, I'm excited about creating new concepts and user experiences.
And then I thought, what’s stopping me from diving in even deeper, pitching clients and doing this for real? Not every once and awhile, but every day? I’ve got a bunch of experience. I have plenty of people that I could pitch. Within the next few months, I’ll be launching the social media side of the company, helping manage accounts and showing bloggers and small business owners how to use social media.
I love books like "Miss Jessie's" because they give me that extra push that I need. Sometimes I get comfy at my job and think that it's okay to float along and take whatever brings my way. But why? Why should I be okay with being bored out of my mind every freakin' day when there's something exciting right around the corner? Quotes like the one above kick my a** and remind me that it's okay to not have it all figured out.
I haven’t left the comfort of my 9-5 yet, and i’m not sure when it will happen. But I'm excited that it's a possibility.
Giveaway
Leave a comment below telling me about one goal that you'd like to go for, or something that you'd like to improve in your life. This is a safe space. Claim what you want then work toward it! I'll choose a winner using random.org on Friday, April 17th at 8pm est. US residents only please.