Vol. 1 Edition 3: May 21, 2025 Finding My People. Finding My Power

Give what you have to someone; it may be better than you dare to think. - Austin Kleon, Show Your Work!

Dear Brilliant Community,

This time every year is… a lot.

May always arrives like a whirlwind in my world. It starts with my son Faruq’s birthday on May 9th. Somewhere in between comes Mother’s Day, then my own birthday on May 14th, and finally, my wedding anniversary on May 17th. For years, this stretch meant pickups from college, graduation season, celebrating growth and milestones with my children as they found their own footing in the world.

And now—here I am, finding mine.

I’ve started something of my own. I’m stepping into the world as a founder, a builder, and a voice in rooms I used to only observe. I’m learning. I’m listening. I’m making space for myself. And what I’ve come to understand—deeply—is that I’m not doing this alone.

That’s the power behind the three books that are walking beside me right now:

• No One Is Self-Made by Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon

• Who Better Than You by Will Packer

• Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon

Each one affirms what I know in my bones: the road to anything worth doing is paved with people. Community. Collaboration. Shared experience. That’s where the word scenius comes in (I’m still not 100% sure I’m pronouncing it right, but I feel it!). Scenius is the idea that genius isn’t solitary—it’s collective. It’s not just who you know, it’s how you grow, together.

Inspirational passage from Austin Kleon's "Show Your Work!" featuring a quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, encouraging the sharing of one's unique gifts.

That idea is coming alive for me in real time:

• Joining the Queen City Women in Business (QCWIB) community has helped me find clarity and connection.

• I’ve been participating in business summits focused on CEO development, learning from other women in business who are navigating their own bold journeys.

• Last month, I attended Raleigh Startup Week, and found energy and inspiration in conversations with founders and dreamers just like me.

And most powerfully, I’ve had people reach out—after reading my newsletters, hearing about my work, or simply crossing paths—to say: “If there’s anything you need, I’m here.”  That is scenius. That is showing your work. That is not playing small.

I used to share the quote with my kids all the time:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. -Marianne Williamson

I believed it for them.

But for a long time, I didn’t quite believe it for myself.

Years ago, I shared my dream of starting a consulting firm with a new friend. She looked me in the eye and said: “Do it afraid.”

It took me five years. But here I am.

Doing it.

Afraid, and still going.

Growing.

Not playing small.

Not anymore.

More soon—next week I’ll be sharing the systems I’ve built, what I’ve learned through Upwork, and how I’m helping others do the same. But this week, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for being my people.

Want to go deeper?

Read the Manifesto – My reflections on building with brilliance and boldness.

Forward this to a Friend – If this resonated, share it with someone who’s building too.

Let’s Connect – Schedule a virtual coffee or strategy chat.

Drop by drop,