How would you describe your journey? Brief us on the inception story of your career.
Contrary to my initial career aspirations of becoming a therapist, I never envisioned myself running a website design and digital marketing agency. However, life had a way of throwing unexpected curveballs during my college years, altering the course of my journey.
Foremost among the challenges was a series of health issues that suddenly surfaced, wreaking havoc on my daily life without any definitive medical answers. To my dismay, I repeatedly encountered dismissive remarks suggesting it was all in my imagination.
To compound matters, the tragic events of 9/11 unfolded in parallel, leading to a job loss. At that time, I had been working as a dental assistant to support my education, but the aftermath of 9/11 made finding work in that field an arduous task.
In search of alternative means to generate income while accommodating my health struggles, I gravitated toward website and graphic design. Surprisingly, what had once been mere hobbies since 1998 revealed themselves as potential career paths.
This pivotal turning point reshaped my entire life, and here I am today, still passionately immersed in this profession. It has granted me the freedom and flexibility that align with my needs, and I couldn’t be happier.
Finally, in 2018, I received my initial diagnosis, followed by a crucial and definitive one in 2021, which has allowed me to elevate my agency to new heights in recent years.
Enlighten us about your role in the organization you are leading / associated with?
I am the founder and CEO of Rise Visible. We are a full service website design, SEO and digital marketing agency. My role is to work with my team to better help clients master the art of digital communications, marketing and sales so that they can elevate their business to the next level.
Where do you find inspiration? What motivates you to work harder?
For me, the motivation to work hard is in the desire to live a full life. Working hard has given me that opportunity. It is not always easy to work hard when dealing with 3 debilitating rare diseases, but I do give it my best. When I need downtime, I give myself downtime and then get up and go at it again.
I live by the Japanese Proverb “Fall down 7 times, get up 8”.
Kindly mention some of the notable recognitions and accreditations received by your person.
My company Rise Visible is certified as a DOBE® (Disabled Business Owner Enterprise) and has been named Top-Ranking Woman-Owned Digital Agency by Clutch.
I have also founded the Rise Above Be Visible Podcast and have been a contributing writer tp Better Marketing and Just Creative. I have also been proudly featured in numerous press and publications such as Yahoo, Prevention Magazine, Authority Magazine and Entrepreneur on Fire.
As an internationally renowned and recognized artist, my work has been in over 300+ exhibitions in over 10 countries; at places such as San Diego Art Institute, Los Angeles Center for Digital Art, iMOCA, St. Louis Art Museum, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, Mitchell Museum, and the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. I have also been a guest on podcasts like Entrepreneur on Fire, with 140 million monthly listens.
I am also the co-owner of Finch & Flare Treasures and Create for Healing.
What is the one thing you wish you had known about women in your line of work before you started working?
There is nothing I wish I knew about woman in my line of work. I think just meeting amazing people, including women on the field has been and honor. Learning from the people I meet and building relationships has been very supportive.
Do you believe it is compulsory for a woman to manage a household alongside her work?
I think that managing a household can be done by either person in a relationship. It just depends on who wants to do it and how household duties fit into the lifestyle of the people making those decisions. I think there is a lot that goes into managing a household – no matter who is doing it.
As a woman, what has been the highlight of you career? What are the changes you wish to make for the better in your professional life post-pandemic?
The highlight of my career has been connecting with so many different people and business over the last 25 years. I have learned so much and grown with every interaction. There is so much to still learn – every single day. I am thankful to be in this field, have wonderful clients and partnerships as well as have longevity as a company.
Brief us on the changes the pandemic brought to your sector and your market. Has the work-culture altered?
For my company personally the ability to participate more things virtually has been a game changer for some of my limitations. The pandemic changed everything. When my partner lost his job due to the pandemic and had a hard time finding work, I asked him to come work with me. It was scary and leap of faith, but we are so thankful we made that choice. Now, we would not have it any other way.
What words of wisdom/ inspiration/ advice would you offer to the next generation of female leaders?
For female leaders I would say – please don’t shy away from male dominated fields. It might be a little challenging at times, but I have found true allies from amazing men in the field as well as other woman. Be open to what you love and go after it!
