Remember when you were a little kid and people would ask you: What do you want to be when you grow up? I do. I remember saying things like a clown, a teacher, an actress. Yes, naivety ruled my world then however my passion and belief in achieving these things was genuine. So much so that, when I grew older and began to hear things such as, “starving artist” or “what’s your backup plan?” or “that sounds like a hobby…what’s your real job?” I was unfettered and even more determined to succeed.
Must Read: Sanya Richards-Ross, “I Do Want To Be The Woman Who Has It All”
And guess what? I am not alone! Recent studies show that “Millennials” (those born in the ’80s and early ’90s) consider personally fulfilling work to be just as important as a high salary. Simply put, ladies now days are choosing passion over paper. Does that mean we are happy and broke? No! The best part is, new research also shows that when passion and purpose are your biggest drivers, your bank account often ends up thriving too. So everybody stand up for the Millennial chicks and check out this real life “working” and not “starving” artist!
Millennial Girl: Renee Barrett
Hometown: Mt. Vernon, NY
Current Playground: Bronx, NY
Millennial Girl Prep School: Manhattanville College (BA in Finance)
Baruch College (MBA in Accounting)
Passion Chasing Career: Craft Designer
How Her “Passion” Chose Her: Renee has always loved crafting and making beautiful things. As a young child, she would watch her mother work magic with both her sewing machine and her hands as she would make everything from short sets to graduation dresses. With a dream to craft her own works of art, Renee took her first steps towards this dream one day in Urban Outfitters.
While browsing she picked up a copy of “P.S. I Made This,” by Erica Domesek. After recreating some of the items featured in this DIY fashion/accessories book compliments from friends and family immediately started to roll in…along with requests. So with courage and faith in tote, in 2011 Renee met their demands and created Spot29. Her first line, which features hand rolled and painted paper beads can be found on Etsy.com. However her new line has recently launched this fall and is sold strictly on her website (www.Spot29.com). Inspired much? I am!
I took a leap of faith and started Spot29. I have no formal training. Everything I know I learned from my mother and have taught myself…I did my research and launched my first line!
Not Back-Up Plan Gig: Bank Examiner
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How Her Not Back-Up Plan Gig Came About: While working on her MBA, Renee came across a position with the Department of Financial Services. Listed as a bank examiner trainee, she decided to apply. However after not hearing from the department for approximately 7 months she assumed she didn’t get the position. But low and behold, while working at another position she received a letter stating that her application was in fact received and had a perfect score! Stand up for the “smart” girls! She was waitlisted for ten months before receiving a call to come in for an interview. Stand up for the “smart and patient” girls! Eventually she was offered a spot in the trainee program. Two years later she completed the trainee program and was promoted to a full time Bank Examiner! Go girl!
The best part about working as a Bank Examiner is the variety it presents. Every assignment is different; it’s like starting a new job every few weeks. I can be performing an exam on a money transmitter at the beginning of the month and close out the month examining a sales premium finance company.
Why She Loves Her Dual Passion Infused Career: I’m constantly meeting new people and get to travel locally and nationally. I’m happy to work in public service. The best part about working as a craft designer is that I get to set my own rules. I have control over everything and it’s an awesome feeling.
Where can you catch this Millennia Girl?
Renee will be participating in The Ultimate Trunk Show on Saturday December 8, 2012. Located at The Altman Building 135 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011(Between 6th & 7th Avenues) from 4:00PM – 9:00PM
Follow Our Millennia Girl: www.Spot29.com, Spot29 Facebook Page
More On Women In The Workplace:
SHE WORKS: Ava DuVernay Is A One-Woman-Film-Making Army
Sanya Richards-Ross, “I Do Want To Be The Woman Who Has It All”
Check Out This Gallery Of Impressive Chicks Under 30!
