Throwing Spaghetti At The Wall
Featuring Gabby Beckford, a creatorpreneur focused on travel, lifestyle, and work-life balance
In the spirit of a past newsletter on why you should give yourself permission to try, I did just that. I’ve always wanted to try my hand at being a barista, but the truth is I’ve never made coffee beyond operating a Nespresso machine at home. Yet something in me said to ask my favorite neighborhood shop (woman-owned and super cute) if they were hiring. Next thing you know, I’m training with the owner herself, who is not only amazing but a super great teacher. Here are my creations from our session earlier today (they are far from perfect but I’m still very proud):
London has awakened something in me that’s boldly pushing me to try new things. And even if I ultimately don’t get hired at the coffee shop, I’m grateful for the experience. (Plus, if all else fails, I offered to help the owner with marketing/programming, so there’s that.)
Regardless, I’m trying. I’m obtaining new, fun skills and interests, and choosing to not let fear stand in the way of fresh pursuits, both in and out of media. Within the industry, I’m doing the same. Inspired by some incredible friends in media who have plunged into new territory to offer services they’ve never promoted before (but know they’re capable of providing), I no longer feel discouraged from doing the same. I firmly believe transferable skills are a true thing; I also believe that when you’re transparent and willing to learn (and make mistakes), the sky is the limit as far as professional endeavors go.
I also never thought I’d say this, but LinkedIn has been a top resource for me as I seek out-of-the-box opportunities. It’s landed me new clients (did I mention I’ve ventured into the copywriting and strategic comms?) and speaking engagements, and it’s also exposed me to so many potential voices for Stella. I’m not ashamed to say I’ll send someone a connection request who I don’t know if I like and want to engage further with their content (anyone else do this?). I’m also not ashamed to say that speaking with Gabby Beckford, Stella Podcast’s latest guest, taught me some of the ways in which I might be viewing LinkedIn (social media in general) through an anxiety-inducing and maybe even slightly overly strategic lens.
I like where I’m headed, and chatting with Gabby really affirmed that the biggest way to fail is to not act at all. One of my favorite phrases — not going to lie, I use it ad nauseam, especially on work calls — is let’s “throw spaghetti at the wall.”
I laugh as I write this, but it just feels too fitting. Try it. Throw some spaghetti at the wall. You might be surprised by what sticks.
Stella Podcast: Reallocation & Relocation
Featuring Gabby Beckford
Gabby and I covered a whole lot of ground — from her nine income streams (she’s behind multiple brands including Packs Light and SeekPTO) to being super transparent on her platforms to reflections on the state of the creator economy and where she thinks it’s headed, plus how her ADHD plays a role in her working style. Lately, she’s been leaning into more behind-the-scenes and thought leadership content on her LinkedIn, and it’s working for her.
Stay In The Groove
Upcoming events for your calendar:
The Black Ballad Weekender (August 1-2, London)
The Family Reunion (August 14-17, Virginia)
AfroFuture (August 16-17, Detroit)
Invest Fest (August 22-24, Atlanta)
RomanceCon (September 5-6, Milwaukee)
Pretty Girls Sweat Fest (September 20, Atlanta)
CultureCon (October 4-5, Brooklyn)
The Black Girls Tech Summit (November 13, Berlin)
Black Travel Summit (November 13-16, Rio de Janeiro)
Some job opportunities I’m seeing:
Brand Manager - Partake
Social Media Associate - the Obama Foundation
Marketing & Social Media Associate - Atria Books
Work Reporter, Markets Reporter & Technology Reporter - CNBC
Managing Editor, Streaming - BuzzFeed
Discovery Access Writers Program - Warner Bros.
Editorial Assistant - Cosmopolitan
Corporate Communications Manager - Substack
Editorial Specialist (Tudum) - Netflix
Strategic Partner Manager, Acquisitions - YouTube
UK Creator Partnerships Lead - Snap Inc
Director of Social Media - Her Campus Media
Social Strategist - The Doux
Writer - GOOD
Creator Community Programs Manager - TikTok
Project Manager, Global Editorial - Spotify
Deputy Director - Marie Claire US
Editor, Ideas - TIME
Associate Beauty Editor - Glamour
I had the honor of meeting Deesha Dyer — she was the White House Social Secretary during the Obama Administration — at her book talk/signing in London. She recently released Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble, which details her journey overcoming self-doubt and building impact her way. Buy it here.
To celebrate the TIME I’m having in my London neighborhood, I pushed out a little video capturing the soul of Brixton, and had so much fun doing it. More chronicles to come!
Entries are being accepted for The ELLE Visionary Award now until August 1 — seeking women founders in Europe “who are redefining what leadership and innovation look like in the startup world.”
Black Women in Food, in partnership with Cornell University, is powering a survey to “better understand the experiences, challenges, and opportunities for Black women in the food industry.” Fill it out here.
Black Girls Code & The Doux have launched the Black Beauty AI Challenge, calling on creators to submit original videos showcasing how they define beauty, style, and culture.
In honor of its 17th anniversary, Her Agenda has launched The Breakthrough Grant — one impact-driven woman entrepreneur will be awarded $5,000.
L'Oreal Thompson Payton (
) is building the first Black woman-owned bookstore in Evanston, Illinois. She wants Zora’s Place to be a “space where Black stories, sisterhood, and self-care take center stage.” You can support her efforts here.Till next time x
Bri
Thank you so much for the mention & yes, here's to trying new things boldly, publicly & unapologetically!!