What motivated & inspired you to start The Young Professionalist? 

When I graduated from college, I felt lost when it came to beginning my career.  I felt like nothing during my four years of school prepared me for real life career issues and goals.  While I learned how to do the job I wasn’t prepared for writing my resume, office politics, and even networking.  All of these issues and so much more go into being a professional and I felt it was necessary to share my journey as I navigate the corporate world.  I know I’m not the only one trying to adult and I hope my blog will help others in their career.

I love how you showcase being a #girlboss isn’t just about owning your own business. Those with “traditional” careers are bosses, too! Tell us why it’s important to recognize both types of women; the “entrepreneur” & the “9 to 5”.

It takes a special person to be an entrepreneur, but it also takes dedication and hard work to succeed in the corporate world.  No one should feel like they can’t slay their career if they aren’t an entrepreneur.  I know plenty of girl bosses who rule the office every day.  Although I have my own business, my goal is to be a senior executive one-day to show others that it is possible.  We need more role models in all fields and of all types.  Most of all I just want to empower those who like working a 9-5.  If you like being an accountant, teacher, consultant, etc. then do you!

You have a lot of vital information on your blog. Which post is your favorite and why?

I believe I do have a lot of vital information on my blog, but I like to present the information in a fun way.  How to’s and resourceful blogs can be a bit boring.  The Young Professionalist is a blog from my point of view and in my words so that my readers can relate.  If you can’t see yourself in the situation, then it really is hard to apply the learned principles to your own life. 

My favorite post is called, “How I Networked My Way to The White House.”  I explain how networking with no intention of receiving personal gain eventually lead me to the right person who invited me to not only one but two events at The White House.  It’s a true tale of how important networking is and how to do it from a genuine space. 

What have been your biggest challenges with running The Young Professionalist in conjunction with your full time job?

Timing and planning have been the biggest challenge with running The Young Professionalist.  I give 100% to my full time job which means I’m running on fumes when I work on TYP during off hours.  This was leading to doing things at the last minute or not thinking things through, but I’m constantly learning how to balance.  I started with taking a job that will allow more work/life balance, and now I have more time to dedicate to TYP.  I also now live with a working schedule and programs to help me plan.

What one piece of advice you would give to another professional whose desire is to finally start that side hustle they’ve been dreaming about?

Just do it!  Make a plan to start using baby steps.  Use a vision board to help see things clearly then maybe start putting a plan together.  Don’t be scared to get it wrong or fail a few times before you feel the business is just right.  It happens to everyone, but you won’t know what you’re capable of until you just do it!

How do you stay motivated through difficult times?

GOD!  He comes through and is always on time even when I feel like the difficult time is taking its sweet old time to pass me by.  Prayer gets me through.

Tell us about your brunch series and what you are hoping attendees learn from this event?

The Young Professionalist Brunch Series is a series of brunch for girl bosses who want to win!  With the biggest event happening in April 2017, I hope attendees will learn how to propel their careers and their lives.  I want them to leave feeling like they hold the key to making their career work and with the necessary tools to do so. 

Most millennials are frowned upon or stereotyped in the workplace, so the brunch series is a safe place for millennial women to connect and succeed with each other.  I created the brunch series out of a need for events made just for us so we can create a network.

What does the future hold for The Young Professionalist?

The great thing about The Young Professionalist is that while I have goals I’m letting my audience tell me what they need and what they want.  TYP is to fill the void when it comes to careers and millennials.  Based on that I see TYP offering career classes and services, brunches and events for hands-on training and a resource book for millennial women.

If you could go back and talk to your former self of 5 years ago, what would you say?

I wouldn’t tell myself to do anything differently because I believe all of my experiences led me to exactly where I needed to be for today.  No regrets!  What I would say to my former self is, “do not be so hard on yourself because you have no idea what’s in store for you.  Girl, just wait on it!”

How has social media impacted your business and brand?

Social media is a large part of who my followers are.  Millennials are using social media every day, and my brand has to use social media as a platform to expand.  Social media has brought readers to my blog, but the best part is all of the opportunities it has brought to TYP.  I’ve met amazing people on Instagram and even closed deals with people I’ve only met through Twitter.  I discuss how Instagram has helped my business on the blog as well in the blog, “Is Instagram the New Business Card?”  Social media is a huge piece for anyone starting a business.  It’s definitely nothing to skip over!

Any last words of advice for our readers?

Be the best version of yourself.  Don’t try to be someone else or have your business be like someone else's.