Any lessons learned that you would like to share?

I hate to say it, but the mantra "fake it ‘til you make it" rings true, especially when
starting a non-profit. It takes passion and determination to navigate through
intimidating situations. I sat in on countless meetings where men questioned my
credentials, asking what my degrees were or what certifications I had. My degree? I’m
a mother.

Honor the process and embrace the opportunity to learn along the way. Follow your
convictions–what you believe is right. Recognize your successes, no matter how small,
and take ownership of them. Each step forward is a testament to your resilience and
dedication. Embrace the journey, trust in your abilities, and continue to forge your
path, knowing that success will come as you persist and remain true to yourself.

Our media company’s motto is, “where aha, meets oh shit.” Tell us about your
biggest aha! moments. Tell us about your biggest oh shit moments.

In the journey of advocating for the neurodiverse community, a significant "aha"
moment struck when I recognized the lack of connections and support available for
older individuals. While early intervention programs exist, the need for resources and
opportunities for neurodivergent adults became evident. That’s when I started the
process of developing an innovative autism app, envisioning it as the "Yelp of autism."
This app aims to provide a platform where neurodivergent-friendly places can be
easily identified, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for individuals on the autism
spectrum.

Conversely, my "oh shit" moment emerged from a different aspect of my life. With a
background in dance and choreography, I was accustomed to expressing myself non-
verbally, relying on movement to convey my thoughts and emotions. However, as I
stepped into the realm of public speaking, a deep fear gripped me. The apprehension
of asking questions and sharing my voice haunted me, as I doubted my ability to
contribute something impactful.

But the more I stood up and shared my voice, the more I noticed that people were
actually listening to me. I realized that my unique perspective held value and that my
voice could make a difference. This revelation shattered the belief that I had nothing
significant to say and empowered me to embrace the power of my own voice.

If you could hit rewind, is there anything you would do differently?

Throughout my founder journey, I learned a lot from my mistakes. But I did spend a
lot of time pursuing grants that weren’t necessarily right for my non-profit. I found
myself caught up in chasing after grants, spinning my wheels with little success. Butthat’s what everyone tells you when starting a non-profit. What they don’t tell you is
that grant writing takes a lot of work.

It took a while, but I eventually realized that many businesses in the grant world don’t
really have a genuine resonance with social impact. It became clear that if a grant did
not align with my vision and values, it was not worth chasing. There is no
predetermined formula for success, and it is crucial not to mold oneself to fit into a
grant's requirements. Instead, I learned the importance of staying true to my passion
and avoiding the temptation to pigeonhole myself.

It was easier for me to help Mt. Pleasant become the first autism-friendly town in the
Lowcountry than it was to get a meeting with venture capitalists.

Along the way, I encountered individuals who shared my vision and values, those who
understood the importance of making a positive impact. It reinforced the notion that,
eventually, you will find the right people who believe in your mission. In the face of
challenges and rejections, it is essential to remain steadfast and continue searching
for those who resonate with your purpose.

What do you want your company to look like a year from now – from the market, your product or service, your team or people, the culture, or revenue – describe how you would like things to look a year or two from now. What have you put in place – or going to put in place – to make that a reality?

I want to meet with Governor McMaster. My goal is to make South Carolina the first autism-friendly state in the U.S. I want the Just Bee symbol to become as important as the handicap symbol, where people instantly recognize that a business is autism and neuro-divergent-friendly.

We’ve heard from founders about the difficulty in shifting to being seen as a leader or having a CEO mindset. What have you experienced from your perspective?

Transitioning from being an artist with a creative mind to navigating the business world was difficult. I quickly realized that mastering correspondence in this new realm required a different set of skills and a unique approach. Gone were the days of simply sending a headshot; I had to learn a whole new way of communicating.

The business world operates at its own tempo, with a multitude of concepts and practices to grasp. The learning curve was significant, but once I realized it was like choreography... things clicked. I understood that effective communication in the business world required precision and rehearsal. Nothing is ever on the fly. So, I practiced my elevator pitch tirelessly, treating it like choreography, and refining every word until I had it memorized.

What I discovered along the way was that my creative mind was a valuable asset. It brought a unique perspective and problem-solving approach to the business realm. The ability to think outside the box and offer innovative solutions became invaluable. I understood that creativity could be harnessed in the business world to bring fresh
ideas and approaches to the table.

While the transition from artist to business professional was tough, I embraced the opportunity to learn and grow. I realized that the fusion of a creative mind with a solid understanding of business principles was a powerful combination. With dedication and perseverance, I found my place in the business world, leveraging my creative abilities to make a meaningful impact.