What is My Passion Thursdays: Meet Juanita Frederick, Actress

Juanita M. Frederick is a native of Columbia, SC. She is a graduate of St. Augustine's College (Raleigh, NC) with a BA in Theatre and Film and a minor in Spanish. She works in theatre and film in the Greater NY area. 

My passion is inviting the world to consider the notion that life is much larger than just ourselves and what we know about our world. My purposeful career is to entertain, educate and enlighten others through acting in powerful plays and films.  I also hope to pursue other areas of the entertainment industry.

Because I love performing, I have never pursued any other career path outside of acting in the entertainment industry. For some, working does not feel like work. I feel this way about acting.  When I have an acting job, I do not feel like I am working in the traditional sense of the word. Performing is totally my play time! I have had traditional jobs between acting jobs because some acting projects are not financially sustainable. During those in between times, I worked as an assistant teacher in private and public schools.  I also have worked in a homeless shelter and in an art gallery.  

I have made some sacrifices in order to pursue my passion. One of the most impactful sacrifices was to relocate from my home grown roots after completing college to Philadelphia. However, my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl (Maritha) Frederick, continue to make the most sacrifices in order for me to pursue my passion. My parents are tireless in their support of my journey to the “red carpet.”

I have several pieces of advice to others who are fearful to “Take A Leap” into their purpose and purposeful careers.  First and foremost, pray for guidance. With prayer, an abundance of things will happen.  God will give you courage to be fearless, but you have to forcefully take steps toward your goal(s). God also will aide you in handling your fears by surrounding you with people who are honest and supportive-- family and friends; those who are where you are professionally who will navigate the waters with you; and, those who are where you aspire to be professionally who will become your mentors. Secondly, consider the contribution you will make to the world with your passion and purposeful career. Just think about this point: Somewhere are others who need you to be you and to share what you have so they can graduate to their purpose.  Remember that life is much larger than just ourselves.

Readers can learn more about my work at www.linkedin.com/pub/juanita-frederick/57/38/597

What Is My Passion Thursdays: Meet Chanelle Yarber

Chanelle is the managing consultant behind BrightGirl Media. She has been an entrepreneur and communicator for as long as she can remember. She loves media and communications as well as helping others succeed. She has produced video and managed media for numerous brands during her career, including Samsung Mobile USA, NEC Casio, T.D. Jakes Ministries, Jet/Ebony Publications and Frito Lay.  She currently lives in Dallas, Texas. 

Here is Chanelle, in her own words, sharing her passion in finding her purposeful career and how you can too.

My passion and purposeful career is a digital media manager. I have considered and pursued a NUMBER of career choices! I've been in sports sales and marketing, mortgage broker and real estate investor and even a flight attendant! None of those jobs felt purposeful or gave me the energy to get up and make a LIFE, not just a living. I was once told that once you've found the thing you would do for free you've found your passion. I would create digital media (video, photo and written content) even if I wasn't paid for it. 

I have made many sacrifices in pursuing my career. I have let go of jobs in order to get to my passion. I have moved across country, and even sacrificed parts of my personal and social life to take on projects and focus on building my career.

I would advise others to just do it. Thinking about it, mulling over it, and asking others about it will keep you stagnant and likely will incite fear if you wait too long to step out. You only have one life to live and life is too short to spend it unhappy or unfulfilled. We each have gifts, talents and passions that need expression. Don't hold them back or put them off for what the world calls "financial security." With consistency the money will come. 

I can be found on Facebook (facebook.com/brightgirlmedia), Twitter (@brightgirlmedia), Instagram (brightgirlmedia), Google+ (BrightGirl Media) or via my website www.brightgirlmedia.com. 

What Do You Really Want Out of Life?

Early in life I learned that dreams and big ideas belong to you, and that you don't have to make excuses to have them.  There will be people that will doubt you.  People that don't understand what you are trying to accomplish.  Or obstacles that may seem impossible to overcome.  Where ever you are in life, it's important to know what you really want out of life.

I know what I want, and I go for it everyday in the knowledge I seek and actions I take.  I want my spiritual life to grow.  I want to improve my overall health and wellness.  I want to develop meaningful relationships with family and friends.  I want to live out loud the real meaning of Take A Leap in a new career and new travel adventures.  I want Take A Leap to be more than a webshow, travel blog, and career mentoring program, I want it to be a way of life.

In recent weeks, family members have shared with me that their employer will be closing business.  One will be within the next three months.  The other has ten months, but may take advantage of an early retirement package.  I share these two incidents because it speaks highly of the concept of Take A Leap.  Will they seek a new career? Relocate to another company facility? Take a long needed vacation?  Time will tell, but as the date gets closer to the closing of their respective company facilities, the question of what they really want out of life is ever more pertinent.

So I go back to the initial thought of dreaming big and having big ideas.  When a big set-back happens, are your hopes and dreams dashed or is it a chance to make a new beginning for a life you really want?   

And don't forget to check out our newly published E-book as a guide to transitioning to a new career and taking advantage of travel opportunities, with great tips on financial and career planning.  The link to make a purchase is found on the top right column of this blog.  Also, the Take A Leap Career Mentoring Program Mentee and Mentor applications are available until August 31.  The program begins in September.

Quebec City, Canada (Videos)

We are excited about Phase II of Take A Leap. The Career Mentee/Mentor component will encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and go for your personal dreams. No more "woulda", "coulda", "shoulda".

View the two videos below of the beautiful sights of Quebec City, Canada, where we will be staying during MLK weekend 2014. Get your Passport and lets Cross over the Border.

Join us for the Take A Leap Career Mentoring Program International Retreat. New website coming SOON!!!

We would love to read your comments about Phase II of Take A Leap. Are you on the fence of starting a new career or striking out on your own? Do you need a career mentor/coach to help encourage you and keep you accountable?

Rhonda W.