A Weekend Of Financial Wins

I didn't just win some Lotto Max tickets this week, which I'm about to go cash in and play. There’s a special kind of energy that hits right before the weekend and this time, it’s not just anticipation for rest. It's a celebration of financial advancement. I’m walking into this weekend with something new; a job that feels like alignment, not just employment.

And I'll tell you why.

Last Year’s Lesson: Stop Settling for Half-Assed Energy

2024 was the year I finally said no more to being undervalued. I’m done giving my time to places and companies that treat it like background noise, while paying you the bare minimum - as if you haven't already been in retail sales for the last 15 years. And that's no shade to them - it's just the way business works sometimes. I loved every company I have ever worked for in so many ways. I still love the people I've met and the products I've sold, which is why I still promote them. I'm just at a point where it's time to advance. Everyone will tell you that their time is expensive - and my energy is gold. Time is currency.

That version of me who overextended, undercharged and stayed silent? She’s not on the schedule anymore.

None of the Other Calls Felt Right - Until This One

Let’s be real - there were other calls, other interviews, other “maybe this could work” moments. One that I loved and probably could have worked at for a little bit, but was too far to travel for minimum wage. None of them hit. None of them felt aligned.

Then came this one. It's close to home. They are products I have always loved and from the moment I walked in there to meet management, it felt different. It didn’t feel like begging for a job - just a casual conversation with someone who respects the experience I bring. The connection was real, the vibe was undeniable and for once, the opportunity felt like it was calling me in, not testing me.

The Interview? A New but Nostalgic Vibe

I walked into that interview with zero script - because no interview ever follows a script.

What I did bring? Self-trust, experiential receipts and the kind of energy you just can’t fake. When management hit me with, “You’re like a breath of fresh air” as their first impression? I knew in that moment, that this summer, and this job, was about to be everything. She could feel my confidence and leadership.

It brought me back to 19, being interviewed at The Wine Rack with no experience, no wine knowledge and honestly, no clue what I was doing. Five minutes in, the manager said, “You’re hired.” I laughed and asked why so quick. He said, “because you’re confident - and that’s going to take you places.” The craziest part? He had the same name and initials as my late grandfather - again, we know how I feel on the topic of coincidence. It was a definitive sign.

That stuck with me - and even now, years later, it still rings true. I don’t need anyone to validate me - because I’ve already done that work. But hearing it again? An unexplainable feeling.

This kind of confidence? It’s not taught. It’s earned. Through every job I said yes to, every version of myself I outgrew and every single time I chose me - loudly. You can do it too.

The biggest tip I can give to anyone looking to gain some interview confidence, is to literally put yourself in that room. Even when you're not fully qualified or newly experienced, just apply. This will better prepare you for the types of questions they may ask in the future, and I promise you, it gets so much easier. There is nothing worse than staying in your own comfort zone that's truly getting you nowhere. Tap into your full potential and it will always pay off.

Only Saying Yes to What Sets My Soul on Fire

If I’m not obsessed with the product, I’m not promoting it. If the vibe’s off, I’m out.

This new role? Even though it's still in the retail sales field, it aligns on all levels. From the brand’s mission, to the team’s energy, to the actual day-to-day. I’m done with survival mode jobs and exactly why I took the steps to advance my career opportunities with school. A self investment - notice the theme of 2025?

We’re in the thriving era now.

S/O to First-Year Radio for Reigniting My Voice

I have to say this loud for the people in the back - radio brought my voice back to life. Not that it ever went anywhere because if you know me, I'm always speaking out and up for myself and others. But this was different.

I learned how to effectively speak, in public spaces and on the air where anyone in the world can tune in. That drives your confidence (even more) in so many ways. That first year on the air didn’t just teach me how to broadcast and connect me with like-minded individuals - it reminded me how to show up, how to be heard and how to own my story.

And what’s wild? These aren’t just radio skills. These are life skills. Talking with purpose. Thinking on your feet. Listening deeper. Holding space. Reading energy. Creating connection. That’s not just for the mic - it’s for everything.

Every Role Was Preparing Me

Every single job, even the ones that burned me out, taught me something. They built my backbone, sharpened my skills and helped me realize that I’m the asset - not just the applicant. I learned how to run different types of businesses, how to execute professional/effective sales and promo strategies and learned how to run the books - but the funny part is, and the most important: keeping a loyal customer base is quite simple when you just show up as yourself. People love a genuine connection and a good laugh.

Now? I’m blooming unapologetically in every room I step in.

Self-Love & Confidence Got Me Hired - Not Luck

Let’s be clear: I didn’t stumble into this. I applied. I took the time and made this happen. This was earned through self-respect, self-validation and the power to say no to anything that didn’t feel right. Regardless if people tell you how much you need to be employed (even though it's economically important, especially right now with all this inflation and what feels like another Great Recession) - or the classic "just take it until something else comes up".

That line is a big no for me. Why would I work for a company where I don't feel the want or desire to sell.

So, I thought to myself "god forbid a girl takes a little break from work/school after a long 12 month hustle" and I listened. Listening to your body never ceases to disappoint. When you know your power, you will never settle for less - and the power starts coming back to you ten fold.

Sometimes the perfect call just comes in. No warning. No pressure. Just people who genuinely appreciate the experience, drive and attitude you bring.

I am the experience.

Booked, Blooming & Unbothered

I haven't even mentioned the best part. This job pays by experience - and for myself that's well above the minimum wage. A permanent core employee position with an international company, store incentives, flexible scheduling - willing to work around my busy schedule as a mom and my full-time studies come the fall. Finally, a job that doesn't feel like you're always being micro managed, while fully acknowledging the importance of the work/life balance. The wait was well worth it.

A breath of fresh air, both ways.

So here I am - new job, new energy, new season, new era. I'm only walking into spaces that see me, support me and celebrate the full version of me.

Every season, every setback and every risk was leading you right here.