Next up on Career Confidential, another awesome lady: Brandy Shea!
I have had the honor of working with Brandy professionally, which is always a treat because she is one of the most creative people I know. On top of that, she is also one of my closest friends.
If I were you, I would listen to what she has to say because she is an expert advice-giver; she knows what she is talking. I know from experience because Brandy is my go-to person, during all my major breakdowns. Anyways, LISTEN TO HER!!
Full name: Brandy Shea
Position / Job title:
Marketing Director/Graphic Designer for Iron Daisy Design
Dreamer + Entrepreneur (… if that counts)
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
The first career aspiration I remember having was wanting to be a teacher. Not because I wanted to positively impact the lives of America’s youth, but I absolutely loved putting stickers on everything, and teachers ALWAYS use stickers! Obviously, that is the best reason to pick a career! As I grew older, I got a glimpse of the not-so-glamorous side of teaching: dealing with bratty kids every day and being paid less than 30K a year. Then, I realized that I had a knack for relating to others, and decided to pursue a career in psychology. I even set my college major as behavioral science. Although looking back on it now, knowing that I didn’t take that path, I’m pretty relieved that I changed my mind… I mean, social media addiction? Cyber bullying? No thanks.
2. Fast-forward several years/decades. How did you land (or create) your current position?
Pure persistence. After realizing that I didn’t want a career in psychology, I had no idea what to do with my life. All I knew was that I couldn’t waitress forever, so I started applying to typical 9-to-5 jobs. Then, I heard about an opening at a local marketing company; I literally called up there every single day for two months until they finally gave me an interview.
Unfortunately, the company was run by a 28 year old rich boy who had a degree in accounting. To say the least working there wasn’t exactly pleasant, but it gave me a basic understanding of graphic design and marketing. While working there, I started working with a few my mom’s clients (my mom is the founder of Iron Daisy) on the side. I realized that I’d rather do that then put up with my boss. So in January of 2011–on the same weekend that me and my boyfriend of three years broke up–I quit my job and entered the big, bad, scary world of freelancing! I had no idea what I was doing, but it has turned out to be the best decision I ever have ever made.
3. Tell us what a typical work day looks like for you. What is your job REALLY like, both the glamorous and not-so-glamorous parts?
I have a thing about sticking with routines, so my days are almost always exactly the same: I wake up around 5:30-6:00 AM, eat some oatmeal, take my dog outside, browse the internet in search of marketing tips and/or business advice, then I start to tackle my client work.
My day consists of client calls, emails, and checking things off my to-do list (OBSESSED with to-do lists). Sometimes being a freelancer, can be definitely be isolating and depressing. However, I have complete control over how my career turns out, which means I have the ability to dream. When I land an opportunity that get me closer to where I want to be, I get an unexplainable feeling of excitement that makes up for all the negative aspects of my job.
4. What is the single most important piece of advice you would give to other career-minded women?
Don’t conform to what society says you should be. We’re constantly exposed to this idea of the “ideal woman” who has an awesome life with a killer body and a tight-nit group of friends. We’re made to believe that we should think and act in certain ways, and if we don’t then it is considered “weird”. The irony is this perfect lifestyle is sold to you by people in the advertising industry, who I can guarantee, don’t live the “ideal” life. Why? Because they’re too smart to live that kind of life. Don’t let yourself get distracted by what society is saying. Instead, focus on growing as a human being by doing things that work for you.
5. Let’s talk about work/life balance. What does that mean to you? Is it important?
Work/life balance is something that I definitely struggle with, as do most freelancers. For me, it’s hard to step away from my desk, when my office is practically in my living room. Plus, most freelancers are entrepreneurs, and that means they probably actually LIKE to work. It is definitely not a bad thing, but it is important to know when to stop. Part of life is experiencing things away from the computer. How can you grow as a person without changing your surroundings? You can’t. It may not be easy to step away from work, but for the sake of not living life in a blur: it’s definitely a must.
6. Do you think women can have it all? Both the baller career, and the happy family?
It depends on what point you are in your career… If you spend your younger years working your ass off, become successful, and THEN have a family, everything is definitely possible. However, the process of building a career takes a lot of time/focus, as does maintaining a happy family life. Realistically, there’s only so much that we as human beings are capable of handling.
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