Feature #77: Brittani J. McKay, Wedding/Portrait Photographer

Name: Brittani J. McKay

Current Job Position Title: Wedding/Portrait Photographer

Company Name: Just B McKay Photography

Contact Information: justbmckay@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/justbmckayphotography

Special skills:
Communicating through photography. Sometimes, as an artist I can't always verbalize my thoughts, so I communicate through images. Helping individuals see the beauty in themselves, and making others happy.

Describe your job story:
I've always loved taking photos and finding the beauty in things that many people overlook, but actually being a photographer, NO WAY! I went to the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB), where I studied Biomedical Science for 3 years. My Sophomore year, I had the opportunity to enroll in a photography course and I loved it. Unfortunately, during this time I also, experienced the loss of my uncle, who was like a father to me, and that photography course seemed to be the only thing that could keep my focus during this time.

One day my Professor critiqued my work and suggested that I major in Photography and in my head I was like "Sir! I am not going to be a Photographer!", but my Senior year, something in me decided to apply to the fine arts program (Yes, 5 months before graduation lol) and the day I applied, I got accepted. From there, I began blogging photos just for my own pleasure and I stayed in school for another year minoring in Photography, not knowing that, that blog would have allowed me to start a business.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?

I wanted to be a Pediatrician. I always knew I wanted to be a doctor and I absolutely love children so it just made the most sense. Even to this day I'm still considering Medical School.

Are doing your dream job?
Somewhat. I also, work at a pharmacy, during the slow photography seasons, and I feel so unavailing during these periods, but when I am photographing I feel much more free and effective.

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?

I love the fact that I get to capture moments that can be cherished forever. I love the fact that, through images, I can give someone hope in love, I love the fact that I can interact with individuals with different cultures, from different walks of life and allow people to be themselves with no restrictions. What I like least is that so many people think all you do is point a camera at a pretty object and thats it. Many times I hear folks say "How hard can it be to just take a picture?" or "I can be a photographer. You just press a button and that's it!". I wish that was all.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Honestly, probably back in school. I love to learn and I can totally see myself teaching children photography.

Are you happy with where you are in life?

I am grateful for the season that God is allowing me to experience, but I never want to be stagnant, There is always room for growth.

What more do you want to do with your life?

I want to literally live life to the fullest. No Fear, no restrictions, no excuses! I mean, we only get one life to live, so why not make the best of it. I just want to make a difference in at least one person's life and find God's purpose for my life.

What drives/motivates you?

Seeing people happy and good friends.

What else do you do?
Confuse people!! (I'm an identical twin) lol

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

Pray and be patience. Many times, we get so wrapped up in what we want and how we think things should be going, that we truly forget that God has you just where you are for a reason. Often, it's for us to humble ourselves and/or to increase our faith in Him...I'm learning both. :)

 

So Much to Be Thankful For: THANKSGIVING!

Beyond food and good drinks, what really are you grateful for? Are you appreciative for what you have for more than one day of the year?

Today is Thanksgiving and whether you celebrate it or not, it is MOST essential to show thanks to your Creator, our Lord, EVERY DAY.

Be grateful...daily. 

Feature #76: Jamie D. Smith-Williams, Librarian/Adjunct Professor

Name: Jamie D. Smith-Williams

Current Job Position Title: College Librarian/Adjunct Professor

Company Name: 

Erie Community College/ State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Library Information Sciences

Contact Information:

smithjd@ecc.edu OR jdsmith@buffalo.edu

Special skills:

Finding answers to questions, communicating with and discerning what particular patrons, community, and organizational needs, answering questions people don't even know to ask...

Describe your job story:

I worked for 13 years in public libraries, developing programs that met the needs of the community but the library was moving away from the fundamental I felt were most important. To maintain my sanity I needed to move on and find other ways to help people that rewarded me personally and professionally. I found that by working at the community college level and teaching.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager? 

A pediatrician, however once I interned with a physician I realized a lot of the job required foregoing a personal life for a professional on... That was a compromise I was not willing to make.

 Are doing your dream job? 

Some days... My dreams keep evolving... so I need to keep evolving, also!

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?

I love the moment when people GET IT... when things start to make sense! I love that moment! The fact that what I do is often dismissed, and taken for granted. A lot of people have absolutely no idea of the skills that it requires to do what we do...

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I want a Doctorate degree, I feel that it will put me in a position to help more people... How and where is yet to be determined... I am ok with that as long as I am moving FORWARD!

Are you happy with where you are in life?

Yes and No... I believe I am exactly where I am supposed to be to prepare me for my next step... However, I am ready to continue on my journey!

What more do you want to do with your life?

I want people to be INFORMED, I want to teach people how to search, acquire and evaluate information... Information is knowledge and knowledge is power so I guess I want to empower people! 

What drives/motivates you?

The fact that people need libraries and librarians and they don't even realize it

What else do you do?

I work with children, my own and others! I work with my community and I try to help as many people as I can!

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

PRAY... for opportunity, for clarity, for guidance... Perhaps the job you are looking for is not the one that is meant for you.

Feature #75: Michael Collins, Operations Network Analyst

Name: Michael Collins

Current Job Position Title:

Computer Operations Network Analyst

Company Name: Scientific Games

Contact Information: 

michael.collins@scientificgames.com

Special skills:

 Well while in college I've picked up a few programming languages including, C++, C, Java, Matlab, and am currently working on MySQL since my job is paying for it. I've plans of learning Oracle next, followed by Linux since Linux is the operating system I work with now.

Describe your job story: 

I can't say there is much of a story here. I was working with TSA as a lowly airport screener. I've always had a high literacy in the IT field but I never finished college, so that prevented me from acquiring a lot of jobs. Needless to say, I was stuck working at the airport for five long years. After the fourth year I was fed up with the place, not getting any real pay raises, the lack of employee appreciation, and the self indulged dictators with horrible God complexes that were known as management, pooping on the lesser workers. There were those few managers that were genuinely concerned with the well being of others, and their advancement in life whether it is with TSA or other companies. However, the managers that held majority of the power weren't the ones that were sympathetic. And I'm rambling with rage right now, lol.

Let’s get back to the topic at hand. My fourth year in I decided to try and leave that God forsaken place and was able to find employment with this company called Wipro as one of their Level 2 help desk technicians. I liked what I was doing but, unfortunately was making 40% below the market rate and wasn't really able to leave TSA, just stay there part time. But I was happy there doing something I liked. I wasn't able to stay because of scheduling issues and since TSA paid more, I had to leave Wipro, and was sucked back into that horrid abyss. Another year had passed at TSA when my lucked finally changed for the better. A friend of mine for Scientific Games had told me they were looking for people in IT and got me an interview. They were impressed with me despite my short comings with the lack of education. And here I am now, thoroughly enjoying my job and learning more about IT as I go.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?

 I wanted to be a famous NBA player. I practiced all the time, and even bought a pair of those calve muscle enhancing shoes, but was too lazy to use them, what a waste of my hard earned 80 bucks.

Are doing your dream job? 

Not at all. And that more than likely won't happen now. Then again, my dream job has changed. I'd love to be one of those super car test drivers. That would be an awesome dream job.

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST? 

The thing I like most about my job is that I pretty much have 14 off days a month. I am basically on vacation every other week. I work 7 days on, and 7 days off. What I like least about the job is it does get extremely boring. But then again, I use that time to do some studying(since the company is paying for the classes), or watch tv, or football. HAHA I guess working 7 days straight is a downfall, but it really makes up being off 7 days.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

As far as my career I don't really know. Money seems to be my gold so I'll sell myself to the highest bidder. Right now I'm just working to acquire a few It certifications. The great thing about Information Technology is that technology advances so much that a lot of employers don't require degrees. Once you get your foot in the door, apply yourself and gain experience you pretty much start to demand your salary after 3-4 years.

Are you happy with where you are in life? 

Right now no... Only because I see so much potential in myself and just screwed around too much when I was younger. I'm happy, however, with where it’s going now. Things are starting to turn around.

What more do you want to do with your life? 

As far as my career goes I'm not sure. I'm just happy it’s finally on track. But my personal goals would be to sit down, get married and start a family...Pretty lame huh? HAHAHA

What drives/motivates you? 

Just wanting more in life. And by more I mean, materialistic things, adventures, and more life experiences. That materialistic want is sad I know, but growing up not having much kind of makes you want more unnecessary crap you probably don't need or will only use one time. I've wasted a ton of money on nonsense and still do. The bad thing is now, I can really afford this crap. 

What else do you do? 

I do a lot. I love social gatherings, especially when drinking’s involved, and I love football. That being sad, Football + Drinks+ People = amaaaaaaazing fun! I play video games, and can get pretty hard core. I love going to the movies, playing chess, and especially socializing with friends. My life and meaning would be purposeless without friends and family

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

I say don't give up. Just be patient. There are a lot of opportunities out there. You just have to get over being lazy. That is what took me so long to get where I'm at. Everyone has potential to be something great, even if you were that screw up class clown. With the right motivation, and a mentor or two to help you along the way, you'll get very far in life and eventually be happy with what you've accomplished. It always helps to know someone as well. Having a circle of friends that does have kind of helps motivates you to want more.

Not Even a Dollar to My Name

You ever been soooo broke that the most you could put in your hand was your other hand? I have! You most certainly are not alone.

Be encouraged.

Your pockets don't have to be the fattest for you to be the richest. There is absolutely nothing worse than being rich and having no soul. Having all the money in the world, yet no heart to love others.

This is just a PHASE you're in.

You don't have to stay low in funds forever.

Take this moment as a time to meditate about your situation. It's rough, yes, but you will be back on your feet soon.

Give back to the Lord 10% of your earnings when you do get money again.
Pay yourself by saving, even if it's just $1.
Then keep some to the side, even if it's just $1.

Be blessed and stay encouraged.

Crawl out Your Shell [LIKE THIS]

For a long time, I have adored my own company...spending time with myself. I like to make discoveries and share them with Jesus Christ...even though He's already seen them. He saw them long before I did.

I didn't develop a relationship with myself until I moved to Buffalo, NY, in 2008, though. I mean, I thought I knew myself, but it was up there that I truly was "found." There were days that I had no one to talk to. No family, no friends. Since all my family was in Atlanta, I literally had to get out the box I was in and communicate with other. Aside from going to class, I wanted to find a church home and activities on my grad school's campus. I had to experience community. 

After visiting about 3-4 churches, I found one that I could latch onto. I also found a Bible study group on campus that I could visit weekly. 

Without community with others, how can you find peace?

How can you find peace within yourself and communicate with others, if you have no sense of community?

Believe it or not, communicating with others helps you to "find yourself" because you will know what you need to fix or improve. I'm not talking about physical appearance, either. 

Get of the box. Crawl out your shell.

You have so much more going for you than against you.

Feature #74: Zion Birdsong, Musician

Name: Zion Birdsong

Current Job Position: Musician  

Company Name: Earcandi Tasteful Music, LLC

Contact Information: www.iambirdsong.com (coming soon); iambirdsong@gmail.com; Facebook, SoundCloud, iTunes

Special skills: singing, lyricism, playing guitar, producing music, dancing, engineering

Describe your job story: 

I met a guy named Nicholas Bass. He introduced me to a friend named K. Phillips. That led to he and I making a couple songs. One was “Fireman.” DJ Nabs and I became friends after it caught his attention. DJ Nabs took it to Mauldin who is Jermaine Dupri’s dad and the ex-chairman of Atlantic Records. I didn’t know Michael was responsible for the success of many artists in the music business. His experience and relationships helped me to get my first publishing deal. The sky has been the limit from there.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager? 

I always wanted to be an entertainer. I always felt the need to entertain people.

Are doing your dream job? 

It changed up a little bit. I ended up being a minister of music. Not my dream job, but I’m finding that I like this job better than my dream, which was to be an entertainer. I don’t care for enetertainment as much anymore. I just share and impart.

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST? 

I like that I can express myself and explore all of me: good, happy, sad, sensual…I can put that in my music and just vent. What I like the least is the music business. I don’t like it at all because it dilutes the art and turns it into a prostitute. It’s too many rules. You put it out there to make you money. You don’t care about its feelings and what it is exposed to. The music business makes it all about money. I appreciate the prosperity as musicians, but it extorts the art and hurts it. It’s hard to appreciate something when you’re squeezing money out it. Nevertheless, I love that there are no limitations on my expressions.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

I see myself very successful as a producer and artist. Owning many shares of companies. I see myself as humanitarian. I see myself married and just enjoying the married life and very busy.

Are you happy with where you are in life? 

I am just coming to a place where I am very fulfilled and happy with my life. I am very satisfied because I’m happy. I’m reaching the end of myself. I am very comfortable with my achievements…such as making me happy. I have reached a place where I am comfortable with my friends and loved ones that I have come into contact. It’s a mixture of a lot of things: my personal success, love from loved ones. I’m confident in what I am doing in life. I’m certain of what I was designed to be.

What more do you want to do with your life? I just want to give. Gain more and give more away. More of myself intellectually…more money away. I want to help those who are less fortunate and improve those who are fortunate.

What drives/motivates you? 
Love drives and motivates me. I really want people to experience love. I want people to understand what it mean to receive love and experience the joys of giving it away. The contribution of loving people is what drives me.

What else do you do? 

I play basketball. I do the boring stuff: I take long walks, I like to rent hotel rooms to be catered to. I read a lot. I like getting information. I love studying the greats. I find myself going online and studying Michael Jordan, Bruce Lee, Steve Jobs, Jesus Christ, Charles Mason (to see what makes people tick), Lauryn Hill, Fred Hammond, and Micheal Jackson. Sometimes you can study people’s downfalls and find out what could have helped them up and what could have been useful and uplifting by watching how they fell. I like studying principles at the end of the day. I like going places where there are a lot of people. I stalk life. I love beauty and people are beautiful. I just like to be around people and think of ways of how to relate to them through art. People are like art in motion. They create varieties of chi. I like to be around a lot of living things, such as the aquarium and grass. I like being reminded of all the things God has done. It astounds and amazes me. I like exploring all of God’s wonders, taking the essence of those things by taking lessons from those things. I like to take feelings and moments, package them up and give them to people so that they can experience them, too.  How great would it be to package up a feeling and watch their reaction as they open it! The biggest accolade is improving the condition of life…of a person.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

You need to seek God because you were designed for something, meaning that you’re already employed. You’re here for a purpose and task. Check with the person who made you to find what it is. Inquire and have pfaith that you will get an answer. Be happy that the answer is on the way. Fill out many applications. Don’t just fill out apps for jobs that you think are best for you. Don’t be too prissy to work at McDonald’s. don’t be too sophisticated to shines somebody’s shoes. Employment comes by relationships jobs aren’t jobs. Jobs are just what people make. Be a servant. If you’re going to use faith for any old job, go do that job for free. I’ve produced for many people for free and now I work at two studios. Now I can do what I want to do, just from wanting to do stuff for free.

This is the most important thing to know: college doesn’t get you a job. Schooling doesn’t either, nor what you know. It’s not about what you know, it’s who you know. If you know God, He can get you a job. Don’t be picky. Get a job while you look for the job that you desire. Let people know that you’re serious about work.

Remember, if you already know what you can do for free without getting paid, you already know what you can do for the rest of your life. If you try to work a job that you’re not great at:

- You’re going to get fired 

- Somebody is going to come take your place

Go for what you love to do. Nobody can be greater than you because you love it. 

Feature #73: Crystal Heard-Baldwin, Intake Analyst

Name: Crystal Heard-Baldwin

Current Job Position Title: Intake Analyst

Company Name: Hartford Insurance Group

Contact Information: 678-538-7658

Special skills: customer service, general insurance knowledge, state-specific insurance knowledge, knowledge of medical terminology and basic anatomy

Describe your job story: 
I previously worked for a construction management firm as a training coordinator.  When the economy began to decline, I was laid off.  Within a few weeks of that, my current employer found my resume online. They were looking for a temp to help organize their Short Term Disability department.  I was hired the same day I interviewed.  I worked as a temp for 3 months.  During that time, I built an excellent rapport.  So when a job opening became available in the department, I was a great fit.  I've been here almost 5 years now. In my current position, I assist disability claimants with starting new claims, answer questions about their existing claim and also gather necessary medical information from their treating provider.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager? 
When I a child, I wanted to be a pediatrician.

Are doing your dream job? 
Not full-time, but I'm headed in that direction.

What do you like MOST about what you do?  
I love helping people during what can be a very difficult time.

What do you like the LEAST? 
People can be very mean and difficult to deal with when you're handling their money!  I get cussed out a lot...LOL.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?  
I see myself working part-time as freelance makeup artist, and full-time as a wife and mother.

Are you happy with where you are in life? 
I'm very happy right now! Of course there is always room for improvement, but I'm in a very good place right now.

What more do you want to do with your life? I know that my husband and I want children in the next 2-3 years, but other than that, I'm open. I definitely want to continue working as a freelance makeup artist.

What drives/motivates you? 
God, family and a passion for helping people.

What else do you do?  I'm also a freelance makeup artist.

Feature #72: Jon-Christopher Sowells, Entrepreneur

Name: Jon-Christopher Sowells

Current Job Position: Entrepreneur/Business owner

Company name: JCS Enterprises LLC.

Contact Information: jc@trisetfitness.com 678-744-3459

Special skills: Spanish speaking, exercises and nutritional training, web design, and public speaking.

Describe your job story:

I don't have a job per se, but what I do is help transform people’s lives in the area of health and finances.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

 As a child I wanted to be a super here and a businessman.

What do you like most about what you do? Motivating and helping people develop a larger vision of their life and achieve that vision.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

The Forbes top 50 wealthiest people in the world because of all the lives I've impacted for good.

What do you like the most about what you do? What do you like the least?

What I like the most about what I do is seeing a person reverse in age as they become healthier. It's like breathing life back in to them. What I like the least is when ones mindset is so negative they can't see the solution for the problems.

Are you happy with where you are in life right now?

I'm definitely happily, but not satisfied.

What more do you want to do with your life. I want to reverse the obesity epidemic, and inspire billions of people to protect their health like they do their possessions.

What drives/ motivates you?

I'm driven by the unknown possibilities. I have become addicted to living off the unlimited power and ability philosophy. I see something I want to do, and I go after it because I simply can.

What else do you do?

I play four instruments, and love to write, sing, produce, and play music.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

My advice to them is that there is always hope another will always be jobs, because people will always have new and old ideas they will want to earn a living from, or help people with. With that, you can only help so many by yourself, so in order to have a small idea have a large impact, a lot of people will be needed to work in pushing the idea forward. This is how job are created. So if you don't have a job, start thinking of what you're really good at and offer it as a service or product. You’d be surprised who would take you up on your offer. But remember people are hired to have one of these three outcomes: Retire Quit Fired It’s the nature of the game. Don't let anyone sell you on job security, because there is none. The only job security is in the one you create as an entrepreneur. No one can fire you from a job you create; only you can do that.

Feature #71: Margarita Williams, Owner

Name: Margarita Williams

Current Job Position Title: Owner

Company Name: 8ty4 Vintage

Contact Information: 8ty4vintage@gmail.com/ http://8ty4vintage.bigcartel.com/; 
All social media outlets @8ty4vintage

Special skills:

I scour the city in search of one of a kind vintage items. 

My specialties are vintage dresses and earrings. 

Describe your job story: 

About 3 years ago I started thirfting and when I would wear the items 

that I thrifted people would always ask where I got whatever it was that 

I was wearing and when I would tell them they would look at me in disbelief. 

After a this continued to happen I decided to start collecting vintage clothing 

and turned it into a business.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager? A nurse.

Are doing your dream job?

Not yet, but this is certainly enjoyable and I can see myself doing 

it even after I have my dream job!

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST? 

What I like most is finding dope clothes and seeing my customer's reactions 

when they try on something they love. What I like least is a bad thrifting day. 

Not every trip is filled with treasures.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

I see myself expanding my business and continuing to work in fashion. 

I would like to style even more photo shoots and  hopefully videos.

Are you happy with where you are in life? 

Happy yes, but I definitely want and deserve more! Stay tuned.

What more do you want to do with your life? I want to inspire people and grow my business.

What drives/motivates you? 

My family and friends and the ideas that I have of how I want my future to be.


What else do you do? N/A

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

I want to help them understand that if things don't go the way you plan after 

college there are alternate routes. 

Feature #70: Nikyta Haynes, Freelance Photographer...

Name: Nikyta Haynes

Current Job Position Title: Freelance Photographer & Insurance Underwriter

Company Name: EDB Financial Services

Contact Information: 4764 W Commercial Blvd Tamarac Fl 33319 
954-368-3000; Facebook.com/edbfs 

Special skills: Media and marketing, communicating with numerous companies, agents and clients on a daily basis. Organization and creative design.

Describe your job story: 

Insurance is a field that chose me, not something I would have ever thought I’d enjoy doing. I am a photographer at heart and went to school for Psychology and Communications. It started back in Jan 2011 when the small Greek restaurant I was part-time waitressing at closed its doors. The owner happened to be good friends with the State Farm agent next door and unbeknownst to me put a good word. I got a call to come and interview to be the receptionist and after being there only 30 days I completed my 440 Customer Service Representative license and started writing auto and home insurance as well as financial products through State Farm Bank. I stayed with the company for two years until I relocated back to South Fl and got connected with EDB Financial Services. I am now in the process of obtaining my 215 Life, Health and Variable Annuity License while running my company KYTA BEEZ MEDIA which I launched earlier this year.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager? 

When I was growing up I was convinced I’d be a ballerina! The older I got the more realistic I became and I was focused on becoming a Pediatrician for quite some time until I interned at one for a year and realized how stressed the Docs were with having to pay malpractice insurance that they were barely able to spend time with their patients. 

Are doing your dream job? 

YES! Kyta Beez Media is my passion I’m a freelance photographer which I can do from anywhere in the world! Insurance is something that I have learned to love, it is wonderful being able to interact with different people and get to know them on a personal level every day. 

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST? 

What I like the most about the Insurance field is being able to help people plan for their future and realize their dreams! What I like the LEAST is having to fight the stigma most people have about Life Insurance. Everyone thinks they don't need it until it's too late.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In the next 5 years I see myself opening my own Photography Studio and creative space for kids!

Are you happy with where you are in life? 

I am extremely happy with the way my life is unfolding. I have been blessed in so many ways and my family is always behind me.

What more do you want to do with your life? 

My life goal is to be fluent in at least 5 languages and to travel to as many countries as I can!

What drives/motivates you? 

My family motivates me; I'd like my Grandmother and Mother to be able to retire ASAP!

What else do you do?

Photography and travel take precedence I’m also a "gym freak" I spend at least 5 days a week at the gym and do yoga on the beach as often as I can. 

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope? 

Firstly DON'T LOSE HOPE! There is always an unseen opportunity just start looking in different places it's easy to discount something you know nothing about so take the time to gain knowledge while you are not working and realize that blessings come in all forms.