I don’t want to be biased on my own blog because technically I love all the posts, but I really really LOVE Career Confidential. Each week, I look forward to posting this column because all of these fabulous ladies have such invaluable advice and insight. And who better to learn from than those who are in the process of making it big?
I feel like in the last Career Confidential with Katie Amey (Part 1 and 2), I was so eager to get it posted that I didn’t fully explain the column. Here is how it works: we have 15 “hard-hitting” questions that cover all the bases–work, life, love, money, etc.—then, these awesome career girls pick the 5 questions that they want to answer. Easy enough, right?
Next up is Ellie Brett; she is one of my all-time favorite people (ok, I am probably going to say that about everyone because they are all so cool). She really is the definition of having it all. She has started not 1, but 2, extremely unique businesses. Check out her story below:
Full name?: Ellie Scarborough Brett
Position / Job title?: communication artist, founder of Media Bombshell
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Since I can remember, I’ve been fascinated with the way people are seen in the world and the way we see ourselves. As a kid, I really wanted to get into psychology to learn the science behind how our brains work… then I realized I didn’t actually enjoy science.
2. Fast-forward several years/decades. How did you land (or create) your current position?
Right out of college I started as a reporter for a tiny TV station on Long Island. So tiny, I think only six people watched the news, and half of them were my family members! I quickly fell in love with sharing people’s stories, and worked my way up to a top ten market over the next seven years, landing the lead nightside reporter job for KPRC in Houston, TX.
In 2009, I realized I wanted to help people in a more intimate way, and I wanted to be my own boss. So I left news and started a business to help women get over heartbreak. As spokesperson, I was everywhere from the TODAY Show to Cosmo radio, Shape magazine, and was even made fun of on Gawker! I became a relationship expert and regular guest on many shows. I also used online video to share advice and develop a community.
About six months after I launched Pink Kisses, friends & other ladypreneurs started asking me to help them get ready for interviews & videos & speaking gigs. That’s how Media Bombshell was born.
I now spend my days playing with the art of spoken communication. I help ladies master their messaging and share it with the world. I believe that every woman has a bombshell within just itching to come out.
3. What is the single most important piece of advice you would give to other career-minded women?
Pick something you’re really passionate about doing and put your whole heart into it. Because life is short, and doing something because it pays well or even because you’re good at it isn’t worth it.
The second part of it is this: allow yourself to grow. What you’re passionate about today may evolve over the next five years, so don’t beat yourself up if you wake up one day and realize what you’ve been working toward isn’t actually what you want. Take time to check in and listen to yourself at least once a year. And see your career as a journey, not a straight line.
4. Should you work for the money, or do what you love?
Both! I think there’s a misconception that you have to choose. If what you love to do is something that people truly need in the world (and I bet it is) then you absolutely deserve to get paid what it’s worth.
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