We asked some fantastic entrepreneurs and creatives to tell us about their first job in their field. Check out their stories below

Giselle Spratley

Looking back, my journey into becoming a medical esthetician feels like a mix of hard work, divine timing, and knowing how to seize opportunities. Right after I graduated esthetics school and passed my state board exams; both the written and practical, which was no small tasks. I felt this incredible sense of relief and gratitude. By the grace of God, a connection through a friend opened a door for me. They introduced me to someone who was starting their own spa, and they offered me a chance to join as an independent contractor. Read more>>

Kayden Bradley

When I reached junior year of high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. It was one of those pivotal moments when you realize that decisions need to be made, but the path ahead feels unclear. I thought maybe I’d follow in my mom’s footsteps and go into real estate, but deep down, I never had peace about it. It just didn’t feel like the right fit, and I wasn’t sure what my next move should be. Read more>>

Jackie Hyman Jessica David

From a young age, I knew deep down that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others. As a child, I found joy in playing “school” with my stuffed animals, assuming the role of a teacher. But as I grew, I realized that my true calling was in forming intimate relationships that went beyond mere formalities. I thrived in conversations that were raw and real, embracing vulnerability, trust, and connection. Counseling naturally presented itself as the perfect path for me. Read more>>

Erica Marcano

Right out of grad school, I chose to take a paid internship for a year as a way to get more experience and get my foot in the door at a well-renowned institution rather than seek a full-time position at a lesser known institution. As I think many of us have experienced at some point in our career, working at the big-name institution wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. However, I’m so thankful for that experience, as it taught me not only what I do and don’t want in a workplace setting, but also that there are ALWAYS trade-offs, and what you are willing to accept often has more to do with your personal values than your professional goals – an important lesson that I’m glad I learned early. Read more>>

Carissa Henry

My journey into the field I practice in today wasn’t linear—it was a series of unexpected turns that shaped not just my career but also my sense of purpose. It all started back in high school. I began at a large, traditional high school my freshman year, but halfway through my sophomore year, I transferred to an alternative school with fewer than 100 students. It was a huge shift, but one that helped me refocus. I went from starting my sophomore year behind with freshman credits to graduating in just 3.5 years at 17 years old. Read more>>

Stephanie Sicar

I always wanted to work for the government, specifically doing something with the court and legal system. I was told to apply at people first jobs, and I did. A year later, I was hired as a Mitigation Specialist at the Law offices of Carlos J. Martinez for criminal cases. At the time, I wanted to know what it was like to face a criminal face to face and yet treat them like a normal human being. The downside was knowing that someone life depended on the information I provided to the attorney, it determines whether they stay in jail or get freed. That was at times frustrating and causes a lot of burn out during those 2.5 years of my time working there. Read more>>