Six months ago, I did something crazy. Better yet, I convinced one of my closest friends to do it with me. Now, we’re having the time of our lives and have never been so happy.
What’s this outlandish “thing” we did? Kim and I left the careers we’d built for decades in pursuit of our true passions and the idea of achieving something bigger. And guess what? We did it. You’re holding it in your hands right now.
Over twenty years ago, I began my career in music journalism, interviewing artists like Maroon 5 and Jason Mraz, which soon led to online content creation. Digital media was quickly becoming the dominant force it is today. Social media was everywhere, and it became a powerful form of storytelling, not only for individuals but for businesses. And it was where I hung my hat for the following 15 years.
My social media management agency, Officially Social, came to fruition, and I couldn’t be prouder of its success. We achieved 500% growth during the first year and managed hundreds of social accounts. My clients—and all that experience—taught me so much; it made me the storyteller I am today. It also left me wanting more. I wanted the opportunity to dig deeper and make a real contribution to my community through those stories.
While I was growing my business, my friend, Kim Cera, was doing the same. She began her career as an IT Recruiter and quickly realized that relationship building and helping people were her gifts. After transitioning to medical sales, she discovered a growing skincare brand and started her own dermatology brand consulting business.
You know how you see skincare consultants who can quit their full-time jobs and achieve massive success, and you think to yourself, who actually does that? Kim Cera does. She ultimately became the third-highest-selling consultant in the country. She thrived on social media and found her love for connecting with people. She became a resource for building her clients’ confidence through skincare.
Two years ago, Kim brought me (reluctantly) to my first networking meeting, where you’re supposed to sit next to someone you don’t know. My insecurities were certainly showing themselves, but something incredible happened. I had the pleasure of sitting next to Phil Barone, the Publisher of Wayne Lifestyle Magazine. He spoke about his publication with such enthusiasm, and the magazine was so impressive, that it stayed with me long after the meeting was over. In fact, I didn’t stop thinking about it for over a year.
Officially Social ended up managing social media for Wayne Lifestyle, which was a dream partnership. Along the way, I mentioned to Phil that I would love to have my own magazine. He gave me the encouragement I needed to sell my business—a.k.a. my comfort zone—and take the exciting risk. But I didn’t want to do it alone.
I knew I needed a powerhouse relationship builder to be in this with me—someone who cared about her community and building something meaningful as much as I did. Kim Cera immediately came to mind. I knew she was the perfect person to accompany me on this journey. When I presented the idea to her, she was in without hesitation.
So here we are. Two middle-aged moms starting over, living our dream to do something meaningful. To use our expertise and give back to the community we love. We thank you for being on this journey with us and for helping us build this special publication, Eastern Morris City Lifestyle.
Pull Quote: I knew I needed a powerhouse relationship builder to be in this with me—someone who cared about her community and building something meaningful as much as I did. Kim Cera immediately came to mind. I knew she was the perfect person to accompany me on this journey.