We're still buzzing with excitement looking back on our recent partner event, Side 2 Main, held at Weathered Souls. In case you missed it, here's a glimpse into the insightful conversation between Dominique Prescott of DapDesignz and Jameka S. Whitten, of JSW Media Group.
Divine Timing and Foundation Building
Jameka kicked off the event with a profound observation—"Everything always happens in divine timing." The conversation unfolded organically, shedding light on Dominique's journey after leaving her corporate job in 2021. Working in an environment where she felt like an outsider became a learning experience. The mutual understanding that "this isn't going to work anymore" led to her decision to take the entrepreneurial leap. As it turned out, every step laid the foundation for her path to owning her own business, emphasizing that sometimes we're exactly where we need to be, even when it doesn't feel like it.
From Unemployed to Business Owner
Dominique shared her unique path, starting with two years of unemployment after college. Her website initially showcased what she refers to as "fake" designs until someone took a chance on her. The transition to freelancing in Charlotte brought its own set of challenges, including panic attacks and feelings of unworthiness. However, her determination to venture out on her own before turning 30 fueled her savings and freelance efforts. In 2020, the shift to working from home brought not only a change of environment but also a reduction in microaggressions. She buckled down and identified what she needed in order to feel comfortable leaving her job. The "right time" only presented itself once she truly understood her own needs and desires, leading to her entrepreneurial leap two and a half years ago.
Financial Planning and Personal Values
The discussion extended to practical tips, such as examining monthly expenses and working backward to build a sustainable business. Both speakers reflected on their entrepreneurial spirit from an early age—Jameka following her family’s legacy and Dominique's “always hustling” attitude. The conversation emphasized the importance of constantly revisiting, redirecting, and revising your path, embracing change as an integral part of the entrepreneurial journey.
We opened the floor for a Q&A session, and we were thrilled with the diverse array of questions that poured in. We touched on everything from managing anxiety during significant leaps to finding that sweet spot between building a professional profile and getting hands-on with the real work. We even explored the delicate art of self-care within the hustle.
The Side 2 Main event left us inspired and energized. As we reflect on the wisdom shared by Jameka and Dominique, we're reminded that everything is happening in your favor—you just need to do the work.
Stay tuned for more enriching events and discussions in the coming weeks!
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