A glimpse into the life of. . .

           BEKAH CANNON

It's been a while, but I'm back with another glimpse, and you're gonna love her!

I met Bekah at church a couple of years ago and was blown away by the warmth and kindness she radiates. No matter how busy or stressed she is, every time I see her she always makes it all about me—what's new with me, what's troubling me, how she can help me, etc. She's like this with everyone, and she actually means it. You don't often come across people this genuine. 

In addition to the countless hours Bekah devotes to church and service activities, she is a happily married mother of two beautiful children who also works part time as a pediatric RN. It takes a special kind of person to work in the nursing field, and I'm excited to peek inside the mind of one and share her insight with you!

Current job: I am a pediatric registered nurse at a children’s hospital, where I work with infants and children who need heart transplants or heart surgery, and children who have other general surgical needs.

First job ever: I was a nanny for years, which helped me prepare for working with kids in the hospital.

First job after graduating/first "grown up" job: I worked on a pediatric medical/surgical unit that helps kids with diabetes, cystic fibrosis and asthma before I moved to the pediatric intensive care unit. I loved the PICU since I learned so much about how to take care of really sick kids and became a much better nurse. 

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After I had kids of my own, it was hard for me to see a lot of the trauma patients we cared for since it made me so worried about my own kids, so I transferred to my current unit to work with cardiac kids.

Dream job: Williams-Sonoma. I think sometimes it would be so nice to have a job where I can worry about pots and pans and not really sick kids.

What is the best part about your job? I love how empowering my job is—I am able to influence many people, families and children to make their stay in the hospital easier and less stressful and help them access great medical care. I love to learn from families who are so graceful under extremely stressful circumstances, and they make me want to be more mindful, and seek God’s help in how I handle my challenges.

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What is the most challenging part? The juggling of so many tasks! We have so much coordinating, planning and accessing of different heath care teams that goes on behind the scenes, and it is hard to convey to families why things take longer than they expect them to.There are so many medications, pain interventions, therapies, hygiene cares, exercises, discharge planning, and charting that go into each patient’s care. It is challenging work, but I work with great coworkers, which makes my job run much smoother and our patients get better care.

What advice do you have for someone pursuing a similar career? Study. Hard.

What drew you to nursing, and more specifically, what drew you to pediatrics? My dad is a doctor and my twin sister and I went into nursing together. I loved that my dad had a career where he got to help other people, have to be really smart and push himself to work through complex medical problems, and had a lot of satisfaction out of the work he does. I also wanted to have a career where I could be really flexible so I could be home with my children as much as possible, especially when they are young and in school.

I feel really blessed to be able to have my family be my priority at home, and then be able to help other families a couple times a week at work. It is a perfect balance of being home and keeping up the nursing skills I invested so much time in learning.

Nursing has been great for having a family since you can adjust your schedule to what works best for your circumstances. I have worked full time, moved to part time, then once a week, then back to full time for a few months when my family needed the extra support, and then back to once a week.

Most of my friends who have children have to make a choice about being at home or working full time. No other job offers the flexibility that nursing does, and it makes me so happy I have a career where I don’t have choose between my work and my family. You can have the best of both worlds!

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Based on the most common concerns you hear from the parents of your patients, what is the best advice you have for parents with young children in the hospital? If your child were ever admitted to the hospital, my advice would be to ask a lot of questions and make sure that you know what your care providers are talking about.

There is a lot of medical jargon that gets tossed around, so ask for clarification if it doesn’t make sense. Many times families are overwhelmed with being in the hospital, and it is harder to process information under lots of stress. Write down questions you have throughout the day and pull them out when the medical team comes to see you every day. You will have a better experience, be able to help your child recover more quickly, and be a better advocate for your child if you know the plan and participate in it.

Three words to describe where you're at in life right now: Curious, peaceful, high-hopes.

How do you define success? Having a happy, fun and God-centered family, even if the only person in your family is you.

Who has been your biggest influence, personally or professionally, and why? My twin sister has been a part of my everyday life and has pushed me to be better, to study and work harder, and to be a better mother every day.

It is nice to have someone to benchmark your life with since they can help drive you to excel, and you can see where you could/need to be on different aspects of life. It is inspiring to see what she does and know that (having the same genes!) I can accomplish similar things.

What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time? Running, yoga, reading, sleeping or making some kind of craft.

What is number one on your bucket list? I want to go to Glacier National Park. I see pictures of that place and can’t wait to just see it in real life. 

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Favorite ice cream flavor: Izzy's Midnight Snack: graham cracker ice cream with chocolate chunks and peanut butter swirl. Amaze.

Thank you, Bekah!

A glimpse into the life of. . .

     SHANE ERDMANN

I am excited to introduce you to someone who is living his passion—and getting paid for it, too!

I met Shane my freshman year of college when he was lucky enough to room with one of my good friends from high school, which meant I was constantly barging in on them, overstaying my welcome, obnoxiously spouting opinions about any and everything—basically just being my fun self.

He ended up transferring, but we still keep in touch now and then, when he's not busy farming corn and beans in Fargo, and working as an owner of two businesses: Migrator Valley Outfitters, which offers spring snow goose guided hunting services, and The Shooting Park, which is basically what it sounds like.

So young, so successful, yet so down to earth. Read on to see how he does it!

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Tell me about Migrator Valley Outfitters: We guide goose hunts all over the Midwest.  We start down in Arkansas the first of January and then go to northwest Missouri,  and  finish up in northern South Dakota in April. We take roughly 400-500 hunters each spring and run clients from all over the US and other countries as well.

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When did you open The Shooting Park, and why? We opened in the summer of 2012. Basically, it was an existing business that had been run into the ground and had filed for bankruptcy. It was located adjacent to some land we farmed, and 40 acres of farm land came with the gun club. Long story short, we were the high bidder at a very reasonable price. 

We renovated the whole place and increased the 120 league shooters to over 650 this season. We have a full food menu and beer/wine license and also do a lot of corporate parties.

First job ever: Farm laborer for my dad.  

First job after graduating/first "grown up" job: Farmer/goose guide.

Dream job: Farmer/goose guide.

What is the best part about your job(s)? They all give me lots of flexibility, and I can somewhat make my own schedule.

What is the most challenging part? Staying on task and not procrastinating.

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What advice do you have for someone pursuing a similar career? Don’t be afraid to take a chance. If you work hard toward a common goal and make that your entire life with a few growing pains, if there is a market for what you are doing you will succeed.

What was the biggest obstacle to starting your own business not once, but twice? Money. Being a business owner, you can never have enough. Your overhead is always about 20 percent more than what you initially plan for, so don’t cut it short.

What advice do you have for anyone hoping to start one?

1. Do it on your own, if possible. Having a partner sounds like a good idea to split the risk with, but in the end if you believe in what you are doing you should be able to go it alone.

2. Don’t cut any corners. You only get one chance to impress your customers the first time; be sure you have all ends tied up before opening any sort of business.

What is your secret to balancing so many responsibilities?

I am very laid back. When I wake up in the morning I know things are going to go wrong, but you have to take them in stride and stay focused on the end result.

Three words to describe where you're at in life right now: Building, pursuing and accomplishing.

How do you define success? Success is when your dreams get bigger than your excuses.

Who has been your biggest influence, personally or professionally, and why? My dad. He has been very successful, starting from nothing, and has acquired a lot over the course of his lifetime. If I’m half as successful as him I will be very pleased.

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What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time? Hunting and just driving around looking at crops.

What is number one on your bucket list? Travel around Europe.

Favorite ice cream flavor: Cookie dough.

Thank you, Shane!

A glimpse into the life of. . .

                      AARON MUNNS

Well, last week completely got away from me, but I am back with a new glimpse for you—someone who would probably scold me a little for that first statement since, in reality, I let the week get away and didn't put in the time or effort to make it happen. He stands firmly in the belief that if you want something to happen, you must put in the required work to make it happen.

I met Aaron when I first started working at the gym. He was a manager there, and when he learned more about why I was there and the doubt I was feeling about the situation I had put myself in, he was very straightforward in telling me to set a goal and figure out what I was going to do to get there. He even loaned me an inspirational book that had helped him through some challenging times. 

I don't get to work with him anymore, but it is so great to meet people who are able to maintain a positive outlook on life when it is so easy to let life's disappointments weigh you down. 

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Aaron currently works at Loring Pasta Bar, bartending during the day and working security at night. He's worked in security for eight years. I can't even imagine the crazy things people in this line of work have to deal with, so I was curious to learn more about someone who's been able to handle it for that long already, and I hope you are too!


Current job: Bartender and security at The Loring Pasta Bar.

First job ever: Taco Bell at MOA.

First job after graduating/first "grown up" job: Customer service rep at United Healthcare.

Dream job: Personal trainer.

How did you get started in security? A friend asked me to fill in one night and I enjoyed it.

What is the best part about your job? Meeting people from different countries every week.

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What is the most annoying behavior we concert/event-goers should stop doing immediately? Waiting for autographs from artists without a formal meet and greet.


What event has been your favorite to work so far? Imagine Dragons, twice. They're some nice guys.

What advice do you have for someone pursuing a similar career? Have patience for drunk people.

What is your secret to maintaining a life balance with two careers? I make time to see the people I love and for my personal interests.

When you are 50, what do you want to be able to say when you look back at this moment in your life? How amazing it was to be a part of a historic venue, interact with so many creative people, and see amazing artists.

Three words to describe where you're at in life right now: Enjoying priceless moments.

How do you define success? Living my life to the fullest and giving it my all no matter what it is I'm doing in a way that inspires others.

Who has been your biggest influence, personally or professionally, and why? My late friend/brother, Omari. He pushed me to accomplish my goals; he always gave tough and honest love.

What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time? Reading, working out, taking walks, watching documentaries, salsa dancing, and spending time with my loved ones.

What is number one on your bucket list? Visit Tokyo.

Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate chip cookie dough.

Thank you, Aaron! 

A glimpse into the life of. . .

                KATELYN KRAMER

I met Katelyn a few years ago when I was working in a hotel's event department and she bounced in and joined us as an event manager.

The first thing that stood out to me was her sense of adventure. I have never met someone so enthusiastic and literally up for anything! The second thing was her creativity and obvious skill and passion for the job.

I wasn't the only one who noticed, because it wasn't too long before she got her current job as a "task force" event manager, which basically means Katelyn is so awesome at managing events she travels to different company hotels across the country when they are in need of extra help, whether it's because they're in the process of filling an open position or opening a new hotel — or anything in between.

Each assignment length varies, but usually lasts six to eight weeks.

Though we were sad to see her go, I couldn't think of a better position for someone with such an outgoing personality and optimistic outlook on life.

Current job: Event manager – Americas.

First job ever: Six Flags concession attendant.

First job after graduating/first "grown up" job: Investors bank and trust fund accountant.

Dream job: I'm doing it!

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What drew you to the hospitality/event industry? Making people smile and sharing knowledge toward a goal.

What is the best part about your job? Sharing with a new hire how fabulous the job can be.

What is the most challenging part? Working with people who are not change-embracers (like me)!

 

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What has been your favorite event to work on so far? Ronald McDonald House charity gala. Anything for a cause is usually my favorite.

 

What has been your favorite place to travel to so far? Northern California—anything around the bay area is fabulous! Wine, water and waves.

 

Since you probably can't bring very much with you every time you go to a new location, what advice do you have for packing light for a somewhat lengthy stay somewhere? Two bags: one large for clothes and shoes, one carry-on size for toiletries. Purse and laptop roller for the plane. Oh, and don't forger your neck pillow!

 

What advice do you have for someone pursuing a similar career? Always be true to you. You have to have a passion for the job, willingness to grow, ability to compromise and love of new adventures!

 

When you are 50, what do you want to want to be able to say when you look back at this moment in your life? Dang, I had a fabulous life...and still do!

 

How do you define success? Being surrounded by people you not only call friends, but call family, who can make you smile at the simplest gestures.

Who has been your biggest influence, personally or professionally, and why? My mother. Having a passion for this job is in my blood. Her confidence and natural ability to handle any situation is admirable and why I am who I am today. My father for showing me what it means to be a hard worker and how to laugh and appreciate the finer things in life.

What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time? Food and beverage (huge foodie), adventure activities ( hiking, zip line, biking) being on the water, seeing my friends and family.

 

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What is number one on your bucket list? Sky dive again, but in New Zealand.

 

Favorite ice cream flavor: Banana chocolate chip from Honey Hut.

Thank you, Katelyn!

A glimpse into the life of. . .

             LAURA CANNON 

Laura, right, with The Orange Spot co-owner, Julie.
Photo: ALICE KEENEY PHOTOGRAPHY

It's been a while since the last glimpse, and this one is most definitely worth the wait. 

Of the many wonders (take that word how you will) Facebook provides, one I have appreciated the most is reconnecting with special people from the past. Today I bring you a very dear childhood friend I eventually lost touch with, only to be digitally reunited a few years later.

I went to elementary school with Laura in the little town of Valley City, ND. We, along with another amazing young woman I have also reconnected with in recent years, were inseparable—until we were separated. At the start of seventh grade, I was 30 miles away in Jamestown, Laura was across the country in South Carolina, and our third musketeer was right where we left her. It was heartbreaking, but we moved on, and I eventually slacked pretty bad at the whole keeping in touch thing. 

I'm not the least bit surprised Laura is exactly who and what I pictured at this age: sophisticated, successful and every bit as beautiful inside and out as she was as a child. Always wiser and kinder beyond her years, she was a wonderful example to me when we were young, and she remains so today.

Photo: JONATHAN BONCEK

Her latest endeavor (on top of a full-time day job) has been partnering with a friend to open a coffeehouse: The Orange Spot,which officially opened in June, 2013, in Park Circle, North Charleston, SC. 

Laura's co-owner, Julie, came up with the idea while visiting Thailand, where she fell in love with cha yen, a Thai tea that  has an orange color when poured. She often referred to it as her 'orange spot,' and upon her return to the US, decided to provide an orange spot to everyone. After meeting Laura in 2011, she knew she had found the perfect business partner and friend. Not even two years later, their dream came to life. Read on to learn the joys and challenges of running your own (new) business.

Current job: Sales coordinator at Charleston City Paper and co-owner of The Orange Spot.

First job ever: When I was 13 I began nannying for our neighbors' children. My first "on the books" job was at Starbucks. I started on November 25, and my first task was standing at the pastry counter, putting cranberry bars into bags. We were slammed because of the Thanksgiving Day shoppers.

First job after graduating/first "grown up" job: Lo and behold, I was still at Starbucks after graduating college. My first management job was at a Charleston bed and breakfast named The Governor's House Inn. I was the assistant manager there for about 19 months.

Dream job: Owning a coffeehouse to supplement some sort of writing career. Slowly but surely...
 
What experience did you have that made you confident in your abilities to pursue this? As you might remember, my mom and dad love their coffee! Because of that, I have been brewing it by the pot since I was really young, and as a result feel very comfortable with many of its elements. However, there is a lot to learn about the trade. Even though I have a little over eight years professional experience in this, I intend to continue learning about the craft for a long time.

Photo: JONATHAN BONCEK

What did you have to learn? Opening a small business is no joke! I am sure it is always a challenge, but a recovering economy makes financial funding even more of a hassle. I am fortunate to have a wonderful business partner through this. 

Together, we have learned a lot about the numerous aspects required to run a successful business. This includes everything from managing the social media to crafting the drinks, to planning events and staying as close to the projection numbers (finances) as possible. It is a pursuit of passion; that's what keeps us going!

What was/is the biggest obstacle? Time. Time is always short these days. We said at the beginning that family and friends would remain a priority, so I am thankful to say we try our best to take a day off here or there to spend time with loved ones. (We are also really lucky to have people who come visit!) There is a never-ending list of "to-dos," which makes me extremely thankful for an unlimited caffeine supply.

What has been the biggest reward? Seeing the success of the business in its first year. Hearing the customers' responses to it. It is one of the best feelings I have ever had.

Photo: JONATHAN BONCEK

What makes your coffeehouse unique? Our signature drink comes from Thailand, so that's new and different for a lot of people. We brew it right there at the shop. 

We also have ongoing seasonal creations. With a nice, big herb garden in our backyard, we've been able to do fun things like freshly-squeezed lemonades with basil or mint. Living in Charleston is a great challenge of how to create refreshing, iced drinks that people will love (it is really hot and humid here).

What are your specialties? Our top sellers are the cha yen and cold press coffee (that is a brew method for iced coffee that creates less acidity and more chocolatey notes). We also use a wonderful roaster out of Illinois. Thirty-Thirty Coffee Co. is a micro-roaster that rotates its offerings frequently. They are wonderful! For our cold press we used locally-roasted Coastal Coffee Roasters. Their beans make a delicious drink.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing the same career path? Do not go into coffee if you wish to make lots of money. With that said, by all means, go into the coffee business! You will meet the best people, it will be a relatively stress-free environment, and you have the opportunity to create a space that is welcoming and inviting to all walks of life. It is a wonderful thing to be a part of.

When you are 50, what do you want to be able to look back and say about your life right now? I would hope that I seized every opportunity to live and live well without sacrificing time with those I love most. 

Photo: ALICE KEENEY PHOTOGRAPHY

 How do you define success? Success is continually striving to treat each individual you meet with dignity, respect and love. No amount of financial security can give you that kind of peace.

Who has been your biggest influence, professionally or personally, and why? Professionally, my last boss at Starbucks, Raegan Powell, was an inspiration on how to handle the inevitable workplace conflict. Personally, I've got to say that of course, my mother. I've also made a wonderful friend named Nina Flinn. She is in her 80s and lives like she is in her 20s. I want to be like that as I age. She has done it beautifully.

What hobbies and activities do you enjoy in your spare time? I love to come home and walk my dog and think. I enjoy cooking, too. And good food—but who doesn't love that? Writing is always in the back of my mind. I think I'll have to start waking up earlier to accomplish my goals with that.

What is number one on your bucket list? I would love to go live with my husband in a countryside cottage in Ireland for one week.

Favorite ice cream flavor: Ben and Jerry's Creme Brulee. You would love it, Holly! (Oh, I do:)

Thank you, Laura!