new series: leap of faith

Today I start a new series titled, Leap of Faith. I was feeling so inspired by people in the blogosphere, that I wanted to learn more. 

I'm your typical 20-something who is overly ambitious, and won't settle for anything less than fabulous. My post-grad career hasn't been quite what I expected yet, but I remain optimistic and know that through these crazy #postgradproblems (yes I just hashtagged a post), I WILL figure it out. 

My Pinterest boards are filled with words of wisdom, and I keep this quote on my desk as a daily reminder to never settle, and continue to dream big. One of my reasons for starting this blog was to find inspiration to keep me driven and optimistic while battling the 9-5(mostly 7pm) blues.

I start this series with Alex, from Things that Sparkle, who as you may know, was my neighbor growing up. We're four years a part, so we weren't close back in the day. However, this crazy blog world has allowed us to be good friends, and I was even her first e-design client. I'm so inspired by her ambition and courage, that I wanted to dive a little deeper. She took this leap of faith not too long ago, and has never looked back. 

Hi all, I am Alex from Things That Sparkle and I am so honored that Julia asked me to be a part of this exciting new series.

What did you major in college/what was your first job out of college? 

I majored in Communication at University of Colorado. Within 3 days of graduation I started my job at OgilvyAction as an Assistant Account Executive. 

How long did it take to realize it wasn't for you? What were the initial signs of "help! get me out of here!"?

I think I realized more quickly than I was willing to admit that it wasn't the right fit for me. It really had been my "dream job", or at least I thought. There were components of the job I loved. The client interaction and the team environment, but overall, I wasn't fulfilled. It wasn't the dream job I thought it would be. But I also thought, "well that's reality things aren't always perfect, keep pushing through". A month shy of my two month anniversary, it clicked. I couldn't do it anymore. I was crying in conference rooms and telling myself it was normal. So I left. Got up one morning and quit.

What was the first thing you did after you left your job? scream? cry? take a trip?

All of the above. Seriously. Thankfully, I had already booked a trip to Mexico with my girlfriends. So that was a nice escape. But I was really lost. I left my job thinking I was taking another job in the same industry and while in Mexico I realized that was SO not what I wanted to be doing.

What sort of "homework" did you do before turning your passion into a career? (masters program, networking, online research etc)?

I met with some people who had gone through the same post-graduate program I was looking into. I got an internship in the interior design field. And then enrolled in the associates program at Harrington College of Design. I also worked really hard at expanding my blog during this time as I quickly realized what an amazing asset it would be for me. 

How long have you been working for yourself?

About 5 months! Very new still.

What is the scariest thing about doing what you did?

Everything. Leaving the job security, benefits and a salary. I mean, really, what was I thinking??

Do you ever regret leaving your day job?

Not for one minute. I know it was the best thing I have ever done for myself. 

What is your #1 piece of advice to people scared to follow their dreams in fear of failure?

It is scary. You should be scared. But I really, really, deeply believe that if you are 100% invested in something you can find a way to make it work. Maybe not in the exact way you envisioned, but it will come together.  I think it is important to be realistic, understand your industry but still be optimistic. It is well worth it.

all images via

I hope you're all feeling as inspired as I am. Thank you, thank you Alex!

P.S. I'm over at A Simple Affair sharing my favorite things that start with the letter "J". There are some serious goodies, so be sure to show Carly some love!