How I Became A VA
My story is not short and sweet. The road I took to get where I am had many detours. But each one made be better and prepared me to be who I am today.
I always had a passion for creative marketing. I graduated with honors in Communication Arts, focusing on Public Relations and Journalism but also taking many classes in Marketing and Advertising from Salisbury University. I pursued her creative passions in school by minoring in Art. Combining advertising tactics with a creative spark was always my dream. I was one to always enjoy a good commercial and not just during the super bowl.
My dream was to work in advertising. To make the next great commercial that everyone talked about around the water cooler. To have people quoting my lines like the camel that says “Hump Day”! I started my career working for an advertising sales organization. I was disappointed in the lack of creative tasks the position had but gained valuable knowledge in sales. Due to the organization downsizing, I was forced to move on. Left with a slight bad taste in my mouth, I decided to pursue a new career direction, recreation. I had grown up playing sports and went to community centers every day after school. Recreation had a special place in my heart and I loved the idea of giving back and creating memories for kids, like I had. I worked for years as a special event organizer and promoter, enjoying the creative and social aspects of my position. I was promoted to a facility manager of a community center. I was having the opportunity to create a safe place for kids like I had as a child. I was also responsible for organizing and managing sports leagues for adults in the community. I enjoyed this position but felt as if I had become stagnate or complacent. Through all of these years, I also worked a part time job which I loved but ended up working seven days a week and neglecting my personal life. Then, came the almighty dollar sign. I was offered a very financially lucrative job, which I accepted seeing dollar signs and a big change. However, the job was not challenging or rewarding and had a difficult commute and hours. After a year in a very unfulfilling (other than financially) role, I was laid off. Oh, the horror!!!
Not really! Oh, the silver linings! I spent most of the remaining year milling around, taking odd jobs, exploring new career options and soul searching. And then a spark happened. A friend mentioned she was starting her own company a a social media manager. I thought, “I can do that”. It was my advertising desire coming back around. I had managed the social media for the recreation organization I worked for and found it to be one of my favorite parts of my position. A few Digital and Social Media Certifications also popped up and I enrolled to brush up my skills. The light bulb had come back on for me. I was able to integrate my creative and social traits, as well as my caring and helping nature to provide a service to help businesses succeed in a creative manner. I decided to pivot my social media marketing business to also include administrative and networking services as I found there was a need for additional virtual tasks. Through the years I have developed relationships with many different sources and thought it would be great to network these businesses’ services together.
I had found a way to connect local small businesses, support small businesses and be creative. I am able to work efficiently and not trade time for money. My skills and work ethic are valued and appreciated. I am fulfilled by helping businesses but also by being able to live life on my terms.
One of my favorite influencers, Jay Shetty, speaks about being grateful for “No’s”. All of the education, closed doors, life experiences and “No’s” have combined to prepare and position me to successfully run Crew Business Solutions.