Do it scared: What I’ve learned 1 year into my career pivot

Hey friend,

One year ago, I took the biggest leap of faith in my career. Walking away from the newsroom life I knew so well felt equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. But I knew I wasn't running from something; I was running towards something—a dream that had been tugging at my heart for years, a vision of a life filled with more freedom, creativity, and purpose. I gave myself six months to see signs of success. If things hadn’t worked out by then, I would go back to being an anchor. 

And wow, what a year it’s been! That leap not only transformed my life but also had a ripple effect on those closest to me, like my husband, Robert, who decided to leave his own anchor job just seven months later to pursue his next chapter.

Here's a little recap of some of the incredible things that have happened since my Big Career Pivot:

• 🤝 Brand partnerships with some of my faves: Nike, Target, Estée Lauder, and WhatsApp, landing my mom her first branded partnership! (She was so excited!)

• 💄Became a long-term partner with Sephora Squad: Seeing my face on a Times Square billboard was unforgettable.

• 🎥 Shot my very first commercial with a beauty brand: Can’t wait to tell you more, stay tuned!

• 🏆 Honored at the Color Vision Creators Summit: It was so exciting to accept the Creator of the Year award, be recognized for my work, and connect with some true trailblazers.

• 🏛️ Invited to the White House: I attended the first-ever Creator Economy Conference as part of a group of 100 content creators and industry leaders. 

• 🎙️ Launched Awf The Record with my amazing friend Mona: Nearly 60,000 followers and 75,000 downloads in just three months? Pinch me.

• ❤️ Surpassed my fundraising goal for a children's home in the DR: By four times! This one's close to my heart. 

• 🤑 Hit seven figures in my first year as a content creator: Mind-blowing, especially considering that as a journalist, I wasn't allowed to monetize my content. There was no transition period, no overlap...I had to build this business from scratch.

Prepare financially and logistically, but when life throws you a curveball (and it will!), focus on what you can control. Prepare mentally and spiritually, and surround yourself with your biggest cheerleaders—those who believe in you even when things get tough. Trust me, those moments will come. And don't bother waiting for the fear to fade because it probably won't. Fear doesn't mean you're not ready; it means you're human.

Control what you can, prepare where possible, and trust that the leap is worth it. You're capable of amazing things. ✨

Remember that first episode of Awf The Record where I spilled all the tea about why I quit my job? After that, I was flooded with messages from people—journalists, entrepreneurs, stay-at-home parents, you name it—who were ready for a change but felt stuck. It was eye-opening (and a little overwhelming, tbh). Seeing that kind of response made me realize just how much we crave guidance and support when it comes to making major life changes.

And that's exactly why I created the Pivot Playbook. 🎉 It’s your ultimate guide to ditching the overwhelm and finally taking that leap of faith, with a little less fear and a lot more strategy. 

I share the steps I took years before leaving the anchor desk, the single most important thing I did that set me up for success, and the juicy lessons I've learned along the way (including what I'd do differently!).

If you're dreaming of making your own leap but don't quite know where to start, the Pivot Playbook is for you. It's packed with plans, lessons, and insider insights to help you navigate your own transition.

And friend, even if you're not quite ready to grab the playbook, let's chat. Reply to this newsletter, or leap into my DMs! What's your dream pivot? What's holding you back? I'd love to hear your story and support you on your journey. ✨

Sending you love and encouragement!

More news you can use

• This holiday fundraiser is inspired by the incredible response to our recent campaign for the children’s home in Santo Domingo. Many of you asked for more ways to help the girls, and we’re excited to share this opportunity to bring joy and hope this holiday season.

• I’m on FeedSpot’s list of top 60 news influencers of 2024, alongside other amazing names like Noor and Taylor Lorenz. Check them all out!

• I’ve been a little less active on social media lately as we settle into our new spot and gear up for the holidays, but Robert and I are still carving out quality alone time. 🥰 We recently saw the Whitney Houston orchestra tribute at the Kennedy Center, and it was so good. The show will be in NYC in February (and tickets would make a great holiday gift)!

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Until Next Time, 

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