Feature #38: Jacoby T. Simpson, Aviation Support Equipment Technician

Name: Jacoby T. Simpson

Current Job Position Title: Aviation Support Equipment Technician

Company Name: United States Navy

Contact Information: simpsojt23@gmail.com; j.verse@live.com

Special skills: First Aid Responder

Describe your job story:
Well, I eneded up joining the Navy back in 2005. I was in between jobs and looking through the classifieds in the AJC. I saw an ad talking about being a Mechanic working on airplanes so I gave the number a call. It was after I placed the call that I was connected to a detailer for the Navy. I went to boot camp in September and made it home just in time for Thanksgivings. That Decemeber I was on my way to Hawaii, my first duty station. At the time I had no specific rate so I was undesignated. The good thing about this was that I got to learn and exprienece a wide variety of jobs the Navy had to offer before choosing one of my own. From 2006 until 2008, I spent traveling the world, stopping piracy (Yes, actual piracy) and constant training and training those under me. I chose being an “AS” because of the similarities of what I had already been doing. A lot of work and plenty of gear to keep the Naval Avaition Communtiy moving forward and our birds flying.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?
To be honest, there were many things I wanted to be. An artist, musician, poet, pilot, race driver, dancer, singer, even the first famous black hockey player.

Are doing your dream job?
Not at the moment. However, I am working on my first poetry book. My dream job is currently a work in progress. To start my own buisness with a few good friends of mine that I have been working with over the years.

What do you like MOST about what you do?
There is never a dull moment with the people I work with. We’re a family and we like to look out for each other to stregthen the unit as a whole.

What do you like the LEAST?
Not much.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next five years I would probably still being doing this or I could be out in the world promoting my books or even fulfilling my dream job. The future is unknown but I tend to aim for success no matter where my path may take me.

Are you happy with where you are in life?
I am. There are a lot of things in this world that I don’t necessarily agree with but in the end my personal happiness is what matters the most.

What more do you want to do with your life?
Scuba dive in remote parts of the world. Take my wife and kids to some of the places I have traveled to so they can see the world like I have seen it.

What drives/motivates you?
My drive comes from a lot of events that happened in my past. My grandmother was a really strong and great woman. I lost her last year right before my birthday so I strive to be better than the legacy she left behind for us. My wife and my boys drive me more because they believe in me and want to see me do great things.

What else do you do?
Full time husband and father. I never have time off so I make the most of it whenever I can.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
No one knows you better than you. If you want the best in life, you have to carve your path into this world because no one is just going to give it to you.

Feature #37: Irv Taylor, CEO...

Name: Irv Taylor

Current Job Position Title: ceo | mentor | brand strategist

Company Name:
New School Academia
IRV WILLIAM (a developing lifestyle brand: can see previews at facebook.com/irvwilliam
PrintLuxe (print company paying attention to the nicer things)

vimeo.com/irvthemogul (company videos)


Contact Information: irvandco@gmail.com
twitter.com/mogulgeniusguy
facebook.com/irvtaylor

Special skills:
Strategist | Thinker | Genius
Describe your job story:
(prelude to how i started the current company New School Academia)Years back I had a graphic design firm, Print House Media (PHM), which did well. Started the company by accident as a way to make money on the side. This was back in 04 and I closed the business in Dec. of 08 to revamp. The revamp never happened. I wanted to make the same amount of money or more by doing waaaaaaay less work physically.

(How i got the "job")
After plenty of thought, planning and failed attempts I started New School Academia, which is a custom apparel & fundraising company for schools, grades k-12. I try not to take the typical approach to things in business when it comes to getting new clients. I never made appointments, I just popped up unannounced into some schools office requesting to speak to anyone that would listen to what I was pitching. Usually they all directed me to the person I needed to speak to. I then would do my presentation, pass around samples and by the time I leave the school I have a pending agreement to do business.

(what it takes)

So i've learned it takes a lot more to close a deal once you leave the school to keep the deal going. This is where persistence and follow through comes into play. You have to stay in their faces, check up and make sure they have everything the need to carry out their parts to make a successful end result.



What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?
As a kid I wanted to be a music producer. I was close too! I got to sit on on some of the best music made today. Sat in sessions with the likes of Cash Money, DTP, Monica, Jazze Pha, Rodney Jerkins, Snoop, Scarface and many more. That all happened through an internship when i was 19 at PatchWerk Studios in Atlanta, Ga.


Are you doing your dream job?
Yes. Being an Entrepreneur is the only thing I can imagine doing. I get to take an idea, see it through from start to finish. Some ideas never see the light of day (in the publics eye) and thats because those are the ideas that form into the bigger idea or the fundamental elements needed to make the end result of a long journey stand strong.


What do you like MOST about what you do?
My ambition. No one can tell me that I can't do something. If you look around and see what has been created in this world just with the random thought someone had to create something… if everyone had the simple mindset that ipad's could not be created, then where would we be today.


What do you like the LEAST?
Nay sayers… Just because you can't see how it can be done, shooting it down is just not cool, unless you are bringing something better to the table. Don't just kill someone's idea just because you have no idea of how to pull it off.


Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I plan to be thriving in whatever I have on the table. I am always evolving. Everyday I learn something different, i'm big on innovation and seeing how to apply different aspects of one industry to another. So i can't honestly say, but I know I will be enjoying every bit of it.

Are you happy with where you are in life?
Yes. The only thing i'm missing is my own family, wife, kids etc.



What more do you want to do with your life?
I don't think I would change much.


What drives/motivates you?
The ability to take an idea and see it through. To know that something I thought of works.


What else do you do?
Internet junkie, trade show junkie. I attend at least 5-7 trade shows a year, all in different industries. I like to go and network, see where I can apply what I know with what the other industries are doing to an industry that is lacking and ready for the bridge between the gap.

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

Do what you love and want to do. the money will come, but do what you love. If you think just applying for the job is enough, then stop now. Bring more to the table, if they are not hiring, you should be one of those individuals that makes the company create a position just for your because you are that much of an asset.

Feature #36: Nina Etienne Christmas, International Service Specialist...

Name: Nina Etienne Christmas

Current Job Position: International Service Specialist & Cosmetology Educator

Company Name: 11 Letters Mobile Salon & Naitcole Michele International Advanced Traning Academy

Contact Information:
http://www.ninaechristmas.com/, twitter.com/callmehairshow, facebook.com/callmehairshow, callmehairshow@gmail.com

Special skills:

Thermal Styling, Hush-Hush Hair Installation, Customer Service Training, All Microsoft Office Applications, Social Media Scribe, Transitions Coaching, Image Consulting, Website Development, Branding Specialist, Author, Public Speaker

What is your job/career story?
I decided at 9years old to become a cosmetologist after I was burned with a blow dryer. I began doing my own hair, found a salon to assist at 11years of age, completed cosmetology school at 18, graduated college at 23, completed teachers training for cosmetology at 24. I am climbing to unseen heights in the cosmetology industry under supreme guidance...I can honestly say that I have never changed my mind...I have always wanted COSMETOLOGY!!!

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

I wanted to be a butterfly....

Are doing your dream job?

I often catch myself in a daze, realizing that I get paid to do what I love....Yes, I am doing my dream job; It makes me smile...

What do you like MOST about what you do?

 Helping and Healing insecure minds by “Walking You into Your best You”.

What do you like the LEAST?

The fact that every cosmetologist does not seek to heal hair & self-image...

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I see myself training at Phytosolba Laboratories in France...

Are you happy with where you are in life?

I have become happy with my position in life, realizing that I am ahead of my time. I have pressured myself to become all that I want to be and often times wonder why I am not there yet...Then I count my years on earth and come to terms with the fact that I am only 27 and have many lessons to learn before I am granted all of my hearts desires...

What more do you want to do with your life?

I want to speak to OBAMA sized crowds on what =ever issues the crowd needs to be healed from in every country and every city state.....

What drives/motivates you?

I SEE INTO ME!!! I am motivated by the pain of the world, It drives me to seek peace for myself & individuals that lack the mindset to save themselves...

What else do you do?

I hold the quixotic belief that there can be world peace and take a xenophilic apporach wherever I go.

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

WATCH THE SECRET BY: RHONDA BARNES

Feature #35: Travis D. Jackson, Analyst...

 

Name: Travis D. Jackson

Current Job Position Title: Analyst, Category Management

Company Name: Kellogg

Contact Information: Travis.Jackson@Kellogg.com

Special skills:

Analytical
Persuasive
Strong Interpersonal Skills
Great prioritization

Describe your job story:

My hiring manager when I first started with Kellogg was a Morehouse Man, so he came to the school looking for talent for an open Sales role. He contacted one of my professors, my professor contacted me and I applied. Made it through the interview process and got hired on the spot. I spent 3.5 years in Sales and I’ve just recently accepted a promotion to Category Management. As far as skills go, it’s my job to analyze data and build stories from that data that will influence the purchase behavior of consumers. In laymen’s terms, I figure out what people are buying, why they are buying it, and develop ways to influence them to buy more.

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

Actually growing up I wanted to be a veterinarian, but as I got older I realized I didn’t like blood. I’ve always been good at math, and I’ve always been rather analytical so I knew my job would involve those specific skill sets

Are doing your dream job?

Not quite. I eventually want to move into full fledge marketing and marketing research. I consider my current job a foundational building block on my way to that ultimate goal.

What do you like MOST about what you do?

I like working with our Shopper Insights team to gain a better understanding of why people do what they do in terms of purchase behavior. Also, after spending 3.5 years out in the field selling, I love being in an office now where I get to interact with coworkers from various backgrounds and in various job roles.

What do you like the LEAST?

Because I actually go to an office every day now, my schedule is a lot less flexible.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I see myself either still in category management but in a people management role, or as a member of the Kellogg Shopper Insights team.

Are you happy with where you are in life?
Very happy. I’ve been blessed.

What more do you want to do with your life?

I love to write poetry, so I would like to eventually write a poetry book a about my life experiences. I also like mentoring. I would like to start a non-profit geared towards mentoring young men, helping them to grow into leaders in their communities.

What drives/motivates you?

I’m motivated by my mother. Knowing the sacrifices she made to get my sister and me to where we are makes me want to do well so that I can pay her back for all she has done. I’m also motivated by my best friend. She is a very driven individual and it is very contagious. She keeps me going on the days when I feel like giving up. My older sister has also been a big influence as well.

What else do you do?

In my free time I write. I read. I watch movies. I people watch. I try to enjoy life. And prior to taking my new role I was a mentor for young men.

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

Never give up. If you can’t find a job, find ways to make yourself more desirable/employable. Take a certification course at your local community college. Acquiring new skills shows your potential employer that you are keeping up with the newest trends in the industry. Oh and network, network, network!!!!! Who you know is just as, if not, more important than what you know. Even though it’s cliché, it still holds true.

Feature #34: Shautessia Woods, Team Member

Name: Shautessia Woods

Current Job Position Title (ex. Librarian, Teacher, etc.): Team Member

Contact Information: @sagileo, @havoc_atl

Special skills: the gift of gab

Describe your job story:
Once I graduated college my advisor informed me that the HMA was hiring and I applied. To do the job that I do it takes a temporary level of insanity (no seriously). You would have to be crazy enough to deal with the rude customers and people who grace your presence everyday. But it also takes a level of patience and understanding. The job definitely tests your character and not everyone can deal with that.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?
Growing up I always wanted to be in the spotlight. I used to walk around giving others my autograph and telling them that one day I would be famous and for them to remember me. (on my way) I used to say I was the next Whitney Houston and put on concerts for friends.

Are doing your dream job?
Surprisingly yes to some extent. I may not be in the full spotlight with everyone knowing my name, but I have started a community organization: HAVOC, which stands for Having A Voice of Change. HAVOC is designed to change the frame of mind of urban youth. Whether it be mentoring, literacy programs or visionary workshops, I work closely with children and help them see a brighter future than they would have ever imagined. So yes that is my dream job. Making sure that I get my message out there and continue to shine the light on anyone that needs it.

What do you like MOST about what you do?
What I LOVE most about what I do is seeing others happy and satisfied. Knowing that the children in the program or even the adults will learn something new or take away a sense of being that they never had before. I love being around the children when they learn something new, encouraging them to want more and seeing in their eyes that they believe the vision you have/want for them. I also love making others laugh - yes, that is apart of what I do. I love when my friends have a good time and I added to the occasion.

What do you like the LEAST?
Feeling like I have failed, or not being able to help at my full potential. There is no worse feeling to me than thinking I have let a friend down or someone who depends on me. Truth of the matter is, there are certain situations that you can't control and as bad as you want, everyone can't be helped.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years... living out my dreams and spreading Peace & Positivity.

Are you happy with where you are in life? I am more than happy. I am blessed and loving every minute of it. I thank God for this wonderful place I am in and continue to pray that it will only get better.

What more do you want to do with your life?
I want to do everything. I want to travel internationally, I want to give hope to those who may have lost it. I just want to be me and be accepted.

What drives/motivates you?
Those who have a vision that never had the chance to see it form and have had their dreams taken away from them is what motivates me. The desire to show others you don't have to be afraid to dream out loud. My past motivates me, coming from a place where as a child, I didn't feel accepted by my peers but look what that made me. Never let anything stop you from wanting to accomplish something that God places on your heart. Never.

What else do you do?
I am starting a clothing line, conscious one at that), operating HAVOC, producing a documentary entitled 'The Reel Black vs. The Real Black' and trying to be a blessing to others.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
Never give up, God always shows up and shows out. Always keep the faith and believe in yourself. It's not arrogance, it's confidence and once your believe your light and vision will shine through so everyone can see it.

Feature #33: Lauren T. Fareira, Independent Musician

 

Name: Lauren T. Fareira (SenoritAwesome!)

Current Job Position Title: Independent Musician/Professional Bad A**

Contact Information: (: www.senoritawesome.com :)

Special Skills: Making something out of nothing.

Describe your job story (how you got the job, what it takes to do what you do, etc.):

Well, music-related jobs have been a part of my side hustle since college. Paying for Spelman was no joke. In addition to my work-study as a desk aide and weekends at the Gap, I worked as a musician (teaching guitar lessons and singing/playing with the choir) at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for several years, even after I was no longer attending Spelman.

Around the latter part 2006, I began performing my original music at open mics in the Atlanta area. People really seemed to dig it. Honestly, I was surprised at how well my music was received. During this same time, I was hired as a show manager for Big Time Entertainment (now Afton Live), a national booking agency based in Oregon. Not only did I get to listen to and meet some pretty amazing local bands, I learned a TON about event planning, dealing with unhappy egos, and getting booked (and pizz-aid!) at clubs and venues.

Didn't take me long to start applying my knowledge. As my performance load became heavier and heavier, my calendar was bursting at the seams. Any night I had I off from waiting tables (or ringing up customers at the Gap or managing the pizza shop or running around as a camp counselor, etc…lol), you could find me on somebody's stage with my guitar. Eventually, I ended up quitting or getting fired from my random assortment of jobs and started doing music full time.

It takes a lot of dedication and sacrifice to pursue a career in the music industry, especially on an independent level. It's not an industry for the faint of heart. It can get pretty cutthroat on the way to the top. Some people are willing to do anything for fame and fortune, and you need insane amounts of personal accountability and strength to keep from getting swept up in the politics, or blinded by the glamour.

Currently, I mainly balance my time between doing freelance studio work (ie. songwriting with different producers, artists, and musicians) and performing either as SenoritAwesome!, or accompanying one of my many musically-talented friends on guitar at their shows. I set my own hours, make my own rules and I LOVE IT! Ultimately, I strive to start my own record label, as well as have a studio/venue. I'm hoping to use the millions I plan on making as an artist and songwriter to achieve these goals.

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

Growing-up, I just knew I was going to be a veterinarian. But after spending nine months volunteering at a veterinary clinic during my junior year of high school, I totally changed my mind. Don't get me wrong, I loved the work I did there. I just knew I couldn't do that everyday, for the rest of my working life. I didn't really have a clear vision of what I wanted to do after that until I got to Spelman and fell madly in love with music.

Are doing your dream job?

I feel incredibly blessed to say that I most certainly am! Thanks in large part to a host of wonderful people who made sacrifices so I could continue living my dream. I have no idea where I would be without all the love and good energy being sent my way.

What do you like MOST about what you do?

Getting to meet all different kinds of people. Music is so powerful and it feels great to be a vessel for spreading something that brings so much happiness to EVERYone. All colors, sizes, shapes and ages! :)

What do you like the LEAST?

I would love to be able to spend more time with my family and close friends. Traveling to play shows and loooooooong studio hours make having a social life pretty tricky. I will say it has really helped me to truly appreciate and treasure the moments I do get to share with my loved ones.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

On top of the world.

Are you happy with where you are in life?

For the most part. But I've learned that the road to awesome is paved with a lot of bull manure. I just keep myself focused on the end result. It's hard to stay sad about the little stuff when you know how amazing it's all going to turn out.

What more do you want to do with your life?

Tinted windows, bigger rims, and world peace….just kidding. Except the part about world peace ;)

What drives/motivates you?

Knowing that I have a special gift that only I can share.

What else do you do?

Make people smile.

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

The universe will take care of you as long as you stay committed to the life you ultimately want to lead. Faith is the key to everything. Visualize your success, believe in your dreams, and the rest pretty much follows. ♥!

 

 

www.senoritawesome.com

 

 

Feature #32: William Woods, Automotive Engineer

Name: William Jr. Woods

Current Job Position Title: Automotive Engineer

Company Name: General Motors

Describe your job story:
I am a senior development engineer. I am the guy who is responsible for coordinating the delivery of the engineering attributes of a complete automobile as stated by my employer, federal regulations, and the customer. Another aspect of my job is a trade-off process required to deliver all the automobile attributes at a certain acceptable level. An example of this is the trade-off between engine performance and fuel economy.

While some customers are looking for maximum power from their engine, the automobile is still required to deliver an acceptable level of fuel economy. From the engine's perspective, these are opposing requirements, which I have to make into a reality. Turn theory into practical. I am also responsible for organizing automobile level testing, validation, and certification. Components and systems are designed and tested individually by the product engineer. Everything else falls on me.

I went to Michigan State and then University of Michigan. I got a degree in automotive engineering. I didn't have to go look for a job. They (the motor industry) were lined up to recruit engineers because there is such a shortage of them. I work here in the states most of the year but spend at least 2 to 3 months working in Europe. So I do get to travel a lot.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?
Growing up in Michigan, near the Motor City, I have always wanted to build cars and I stayed focused. Now I do that for a living.

Are doing your dream job?
Yes I am.

What do you like MOST about what you do?
It doesn't feel like a job, it feels more like a hobby. Not only do I get a brand new vehicle every year (I don't get to keep them), I always have at least 3 vehicles in my driveway I test. I never have to pay for gas!

What do you like the LEAST?
It's hectic and as a result I don't have time for a relationship.
I am not getting any younger and would have loved to have had a family of my own by now :( . I am married to my job and it can get lonely at times.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I would love to get to work in Germany full time.

Are you happy with where you are in life?
I am happy. God has been good to me.

What more do you want to do with your life?
Hopefully do something that will make a difference

What drives/motivates you?
My mother, father and sister

What else do you do?
Mentor troubled teens from single parent household's

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
We have to start somewhere. Let's be patient enough to grow those legs, then run. Some just want to start off with a sprint. That will only lead to a rude awakening later on. Surprise before you get surprised and have faith in the Lord, with whom all things are possible. If you want to be a doctor, go to school for it, AND THAT APPLIES TO EVERYTHING ELSE in life. Preparation for your goals is key.