Women of Brightly Creative Share Career Highlights, Words of Wisdom
Posted March 1, 2021
Perhaps it’s apt that March is Women’s History Month, because we’ve been marching toward a brighter future for centuries. The three female employees of Brightly Creative are at three different points in our careers, and we sat down and chatted about women who have inspired us in our lives and our careers thus far.
Who inspires you the most and why?
Alison: I am very fortunate to have been raised by strong women. I look up to the women in my family who have instilled me with the ethics and morals I have today. However, if I had to slim it down to just one person, it would be my Grandma Wuebbels. She was a farmer’s wife and the glue that kept things running while also raising five children at home. She lived through the Great Depression, multiple pandemics, the loss of her husband and son and so much more while never falling down. Her faith is unwavering, and her strength is uncanny. This woman was still push mowing her lawn in her 80s! She can be stern with her teachings but can pick up a new card game quicker than anyone I know. She is a strong and beautiful woman who inspires every person she meets.
Jasmyne: My future self inspires me. I envision myself meeting goals and continuing to grow every year.
Alyssa: My friends. My friend Shawna, whom I met when we were 4, inspires me every day with her positivity and outlook on life. My friend Beth and I have deep chats about all of life’s questions, dissecting meanings, philosophies and love languages. My friend Alli is a NICU nurse, saving babies’ lives each and every day. Talk about essential! She’s the best troubleshooter and fixer, and she kept my dog for an entire year while I lived in Hungary. That’s dedication. And then there’s my friend Trish, who even though we may not talk as much as we used to, we can pick up right where we left off. She was my sorority mom when I was 18, and she still mothers me the best at … I’ll keep our current ages a secret. Finally, there’s Laura, who is probably my most rational friend, who is there to give me tough love and support no matter what. She was my intern at one time, but she’s taught me so much more over the years. These are just a few of the amazing women in my life.
When did you know you had “made it” in your career?
Alison: Geeze, have I “made it” yet? I think I am still “making it.” I find myself still learning something new every day and wanting to explore what I am truly capable of. I haven’t met my final destination yet in my career and look forward to bursting glass ceilings and boundaries along the way.
Jasmyne: I’m not sure I’m there yet. Heading into my second year at BC, I still have a lot to learn and opportunities ahead of me. Check back in a few years!
Alyssa: When I became the first female editor in chief and COO of an international publication in a niche field. I believe I am still the only one to hold such a distinction in that genre, and I wrote the first-ever Europe and China issues for the publication. We grew the company to the largest magazine in the world in the category, and it was truly the defining time of my career. I think my, “I’ve made it” moment was delivering the keynote speech at a tradeshow in Moscow. I was the only female speaker, and it was completely awesome. Now I can say that whenever someone comes to me for editorial support, advice or questions, I can look back on my career and really be thankful for the hard work I’ve put in. Hopefully there are a lot of years to come!
What did you want to be when you were a kid, and are what you ever thought you’d be now?
Alison: When I was a kid, I wanted to move to Hollywood and be a big time director. Something about being behind the scenes and watching my visions come to life always seemed so intriguing to me. My work may not be on the big screen, but I guess there are some parallels to what I do today. I love being able to conceptualize an idea or event, plan it out and see the final picture when it was all done.
Jasmyne: I wanted to be a therapist when I was younger. I enjoy helping people and offering a shoulder to cry on. Never thought I would be in marketing but it has become a challenge that I’m enjoying!
Alyssa: A professional singer. I dabbled in New York and Los Angeles for a bit before college, but opted for the safer route. I kicked around going to law school, but the thought of the debt and stress killed that dream. I’ve been in a band in my adult life and am thinking about another one, so I guess I can say I got the best of both worlds.
Why do you think it’s so important to have a female voice in our industry? Or is it?
Alison: It’s important to have a female voice in our industry to show that it can be done. So we can have positive role models to motivate us and give us inspiration and guidance, to see positive reflections of ourselves in society. Many of our clients have female CEOs. It lets me know that there is no limit to what we can accomplish and that there is a network of women to help us along the way.
Jasmyne: The female voice offers a strong and compassionate opinion that might otherwise be overlooked. Women have the natural nurturing ability to care about a subject and see it through fruition.
Alyssa: I think no matter what gender you are, your point of view matters. Perception is reality, and we all have different voices that add something to our creative tables. Imagine a brainstorming session where everyone had the same idea?! Wouldn’t go very far.
What’s your proudest moment so far in your career?
Alison: Making it out of 2020 with all my hair. But seriously, being able to completely shift in a totally unprecedented way and finding new ways for BC to do amazing work for our clients during a pandemic. It was a year for the books.
Jasmyne: There’s not one specific moment that is higher than the rest. I’m proud that my hard work is paying off and I can help grow the company.
Alyssa: I’ve had several, but I can say that finally working as a digital nomad, getting up and doing what I absolutely love every day, is a sum of the proud career moments over the years. I couldn’t do it without this wonderful team at BC.
Tags: Brightly Creative, inspiration, International Women's Day, Women's History Month
CATEGORY: Brightly Creative
