We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rowena Whitson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rowena, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I started working at the young age of 13. I am 4th generation for a family business in Peoria, Illinois called George O Pasquel Company. My great grandfather started the company in 1946 selling coffee, canned foods, foodservice equipment, china, glassware, and so much more. I started out by going to work with my Grandpa early in the morning to open up the business. I would come with him on deliveries and go to different restaurants with him learning the ins and outs of the business from a very young age. This instilled an amazing work ethic in me and always made me responsible and prompt for all future endeavors. After my grandfathers passing 2 years ago the company has been fully run by my mother and father. When I come home to visit, I still help in whatever way I can with the company. My passion lies in Los Angeles in becoming a full time actress. To: However, my passion lies in Los Angeles in becoming a full time actress and model. I hope to continue my family’s business from afar and start my own business one day.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an actress, model, influencer, and reiki practitioner. I have been acting since I was six years old. I moved out to Los Angeles at the age of 18 to attend AMDA (American Musical & Dramatic Academy). I did not have any family or know anyone who lived in Los Angeles, so I took a leap of faith. Since I moved out here nine years ago, I have never looked back. I have absolutely loved living in Los Angeles through the struggles and all, but it has all been a factor in building who I am today. My passion still lies with acting, even though the industry has been through a lot with Covid, then the writers strike, but I have faith it will all bounce back soon.
I found reiki in 2018 and it changed my life. For those who do not know what reiki is, it is a Japanese form of energy healing using the laying on of hands. It is great for promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and symptom relief to improve overall health and wellbeing. If you are interested in booking a session with me, message me on my Instagram @reikiwithrowena. I also do a lot of workshops that collaborate with yoga instructors, tarot readers, and sound baths.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:
This is a crucial skill for navigating complex challenges. Critical thinking and problem-solving constantly play an impactful role in everyday life. It is important to make well-informed decisions by analyzing all the information given. I find I am a great problem solver in all aspect of my life because I am able to take myself out of the equation, step back, and evaluate all of the sides.
2. Effective Communication:
The ability to convey your thoughts, ideas, and emotions clearly and persuasively is essential in almost every aspect of life. Whether it’s in your personal relationships, at work, or in public speaking, effective communication is key.
3.Adaptability and Continuous Learning:
In a rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt to new situations and acquire new knowledge and skills is invaluable. Embrace a growth mindset and be open to learning from your experiences and from others. Take on new challenges, seek out opportunities to learn, and don’t fear failure. Being adaptable and continuously learning will help you stay relevant and succeed in various contexts.
Advice for those early in their journey:
Don’t Fear Failure: Understand that failure is often a stepping stone to success. Learn from your mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
Set Clear Goals: Define your short-term and long-term goals. Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve will help you stay focused and motivated.
Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who can provide guidance, mentorship, and emotional support. Networking and seeking advice from experienced individuals can be invaluable.
Stay Curious: Cultivate a sense of curiosity and a desire to learn. Be inquisitive and explore new ideas and concepts, even those outside your comfort zone.
Practice Patience: Personal and professional growth takes time. Don’t be discouraged by slow progress or setbacks. Stay patient and persistent. This is the key to the industries I am pursuing.
Reflect and Iterate: Regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your approach as needed. Self-reflection can help you identify areas for improvement.
Balance and Self-Care: Remember to take care of your physical and mental well-being. A balanced life is more conducive to personal growth. This may be the most important one of them all.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
One of the most impactful things my parents, Dan and Maria Whitson, ever did for me was taking me on vacations from a very young age. Experiencing different cultures and having new adventures at such a young age opened up my adventurous side. A standout memory from my childhood is swimming with sharks and manta rays in the Dominican Republic when I was just nine years old. Another unforgettable experience was climbing the pyramid Nahuch Mul in Coba at the same age. I distinctly recall singing “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor throughout the entire journey up the pyramid. These incredible moments and many others during our travels are cherished memories, and I am truly grateful to my parents for providing me with such enriching experiences.
Another profoundly impactful thing my parents have done for me is consistently believing in my aspirations. They have been unwavering supporters in every endeavor I’ve pursued. I feel incredibly blessed to have parents who not only encourage my dreams but also stand by me as I work towards achieving them. I am confident that one day, my dreams will become a reality, and I eagerly anticipate the day when I can retire my parents and repay them for their unwavering support by taking them on adventures all around the world.
Lastly, I deeply admire my parents’ work ethic. I was raised by hardworking individuals, and their dedication has instilled in me a strong work ethic from a young age. I’ve never shied away from hard work; in fact, I’ve been employed since I was thirteen years old. The values of diligence and perseverance that my parents exemplify have shaped my approach to life.
If you’re in search of high-quality coffee, cookware, china, utensils, and more, I highly recommend checking out George O. Pasqeul Co. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram for an array of amazing products.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rowenawhitson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenawhitson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RowenaRWhitson/
Image Credits
Marcus IG: @48thstreetphotogrpahy Jose IG: @joselaraphotogrpahy
