Tell us a bit about yourself! How did you get started with your current career path/business journey?

Digital media has always been fascinating to me. Since the launch of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, I've been intrigued by the way people have engaged with the platform and each other on the platform. It was clear to me early on that these would become vital to businesses. After graduating from college with a dual degree in business marketing and English, I launched my social media marketing consulting business and have been running it ever since.

How are you overcoming challenges during the pandemic as a business owner?

Being open to new opportunities is super important during this time and I've been fortunate to be able to run my business from home successfully throughout the pandemic so far. But that doesn't mean there haven't been challenges. From struggling with the anxiety and depression associated with being at home 24/7 while surrounded by a worldwide pandemic, to pivoting on the spot to adjust the services that my business offers, there has been a lot to take on. Remembering to include time for self care has been vital to my personal success throughout the pandemic.

What does your day to day schedule look like working from home?

All the days feel the same! I try to get up a little before 6 to go for my 6am bike ride. Then I come back, have a relaxing breakfast and get started on the computer around 8 or 8:30am. I generally try to get a lunch break and take the neighbor's dog for a quick walk in the afternoon. Then, I am trying to end the workday by 7pm. There is a lot going on and it is easy to keep working late into the night since I am already home. But it is important to create some type of schedule and separation to give myself a mental break.

In what ways are you taking care of your personal well being and what are your #selfcare tips?

I've started biking at 6:00am to get out before everyone else does and get in some physical activity. Now that the weather is getting better and sunnier, it has been a moment of relaxation for me to be outside, watching the birds and enjoying the flowers while working through that ever persistent anxiety with physical exercise. Plus, sometimes I take naps to reset during the day!

How are you inviting others to take a seat at the table #virtually?

I have been organizing weekly "Wednesday Workshops" featuring experts that I have met through networking and offering these free workshops to the networking group I run as well as anyone else who is interested in joining. I am also working to keep an eye out for any asks on message boards or communities I am part of (like Luminary!) where I can lend a hand or connect someone with someone else I know.

What impact has Luminary made in your career? eg: Business Generated, Revenue, New Clients, Career Connections, Advancement Opportunities 

Being part of Luminary virtually has helped me stay in touch with the people I used to see day-to-day. I'm looking forward to getting to see everyone's beautiful faces in person again soon, but in the meantime, I love the slack channel and the message board as they are a great way to keep the conversations going even while we are apart.