Michael's Next Chapter
Donation protected
Two months ago, I arrived at a crossroads in my life.
I’d just touched down in New Orleans to attend the annual ESSENCE Festival. I was booked to serve as a style and media consultant for one of ESSENCE’s most recognizable editors. The gig involved researching talking points for panels with the likes of actor Morris Chestnut and actress Lorraine Toussaint, prepping for interviews with Grammy-nominated artists including Janelle Monae, and providing styling direction for events and appearances.
For my first business trip “as my own boss,” it was a success!
After the Festival during a four-day pitstop in Dallas, my parents asked the inevitable “what’s next?” question. After all, since my last full-time job, I’d been freelancing and barely (I mean barely!) making ends meet. Little did they know, “what’s next” was a main topic of the internal dialogue I’d been having with myself for at least two months prior to ESSENCE Festival.
But just as sure as I was two years ago when I arrived in the Big Apple to fulfill my dream of working in magazines, I knew what my next pivot would be: entrepreneurship.
The temptation when you’re moving into uncharted territory is to drift towards all the reasons it won’t work out. Still as I mapped out this new path, I knew I had more working for me than against me. I was a published journalist and magazine editor for some of the most respected national brands. Prior to that, I was a corporate trainer designing curriculum for C-suite stakeholders, newly hired employees, and everyone else in between.
And of course I can’t forget The Stylish Standout, a passion project that paved the way for many of the opportunities I hold closest to my heart, including hosting in-store events, and encouraging audiences to leap to the next level in their lives through public speaking.
Along the way, I’ve collected plenty of evidence that my approach to style, branding, and professional development has the ability to touch, move, and inspire people in transformative ways. These discoveries are what inspired me to expand what was once just a fashion blog into a full-fledged media company, The Stylish Standout LLC. I invite you to visit the site for a detailed look at the evolution.
Start-up life comes with some growing pains though. Instead of retreating, I’ve chosen to lean into my network of friends, family, colleagues to propel me further than I’m able to alone.
It’s with this faith that I’m requesting a contribution towards my goal of raising $3,000 by September 30. Here’s what your generosity will help support:
> Product upgrades: Email and social media marketing software, lighting equipment for video content, and project management tools
> Promotional assets: Marketing collateral (an updated video reel, media kit and business cards)
> Professional development: Coaching and an upcoming three-month leadership training
I understand resources don’t always manifest from financial gifts. So even if you’re unable to donate, my request is that you share what I’m up to with your network. You never know which one of your contacts could be The Stylish Standout’s next client.
Thank you for coming along on this journey with me. It wouldn’t be as fun without you.
Sent with love,
Michael
I’d just touched down in New Orleans to attend the annual ESSENCE Festival. I was booked to serve as a style and media consultant for one of ESSENCE’s most recognizable editors. The gig involved researching talking points for panels with the likes of actor Morris Chestnut and actress Lorraine Toussaint, prepping for interviews with Grammy-nominated artists including Janelle Monae, and providing styling direction for events and appearances.
For my first business trip “as my own boss,” it was a success!
After the Festival during a four-day pitstop in Dallas, my parents asked the inevitable “what’s next?” question. After all, since my last full-time job, I’d been freelancing and barely (I mean barely!) making ends meet. Little did they know, “what’s next” was a main topic of the internal dialogue I’d been having with myself for at least two months prior to ESSENCE Festival.
But just as sure as I was two years ago when I arrived in the Big Apple to fulfill my dream of working in magazines, I knew what my next pivot would be: entrepreneurship.
The temptation when you’re moving into uncharted territory is to drift towards all the reasons it won’t work out. Still as I mapped out this new path, I knew I had more working for me than against me. I was a published journalist and magazine editor for some of the most respected national brands. Prior to that, I was a corporate trainer designing curriculum for C-suite stakeholders, newly hired employees, and everyone else in between.
And of course I can’t forget The Stylish Standout, a passion project that paved the way for many of the opportunities I hold closest to my heart, including hosting in-store events, and encouraging audiences to leap to the next level in their lives through public speaking.
Along the way, I’ve collected plenty of evidence that my approach to style, branding, and professional development has the ability to touch, move, and inspire people in transformative ways. These discoveries are what inspired me to expand what was once just a fashion blog into a full-fledged media company, The Stylish Standout LLC. I invite you to visit the site for a detailed look at the evolution.
Start-up life comes with some growing pains though. Instead of retreating, I’ve chosen to lean into my network of friends, family, colleagues to propel me further than I’m able to alone.
It’s with this faith that I’m requesting a contribution towards my goal of raising $3,000 by September 30. Here’s what your generosity will help support:
> Product upgrades: Email and social media marketing software, lighting equipment for video content, and project management tools
> Promotional assets: Marketing collateral (an updated video reel, media kit and business cards)
> Professional development: Coaching and an upcoming three-month leadership training
I understand resources don’t always manifest from financial gifts. So even if you’re unable to donate, my request is that you share what I’m up to with your network. You never know which one of your contacts could be The Stylish Standout’s next client.
Thank you for coming along on this journey with me. It wouldn’t be as fun without you.
Sent with love,
Michael
Organizer
Michael Jones
Organizer
New York, NY
