We were lucky to catch up with Anna Mendelson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Anna , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Being the only one in the room who looks like me has not only been a challenge but also a catalyst for my success. Running Vibrant Guide in a college setting, where the norm was pursuing more traditional career paths, forced me to think outside the box and be resourceful.
Firstly, having to explain and advocate for my website as a legitimate business taught me invaluable skills in communication and persuasion. I had to articulate the value and potential of digital entrepreneurship, which sharpened my ability to convey complex ideas in a simple and compelling manner.
Moreover, being active on social media wasn’t just about visibility; it was about building a community and cultivating trust. By putting myself out there, I not only expanded the reach of Vibrant Guide but also established myself as a credible voice in the lifestyle niche. This, in turn, attracted partnerships and collaborations, further legitimizing my platform and opening doors to new opportunities.
Ultimately, navigating the challenges of being the only one with a business in my college circle has equipped me with resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of self-confidence. It’s shown me that success often lies in embracing your uniqueness and leveraging it as a strength, rather than trying to conform to the expectations of others.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hi, I’m Anna, the creator behind Vibrant Guide—a website and social media platform dedicated to celebrating the vibrant life. From fashion and fitness to recipes and lifestyle tips, Vibrant Guide covers it all. What excites me most is our focus on authenticity and inclusivity. I believe everyone deserves to live their best life, and I’m here to provide the inspiration and resources to make it happen.
What sets me apart is my passion for supporting small businesses. Through partnerships and promotions, I showcase a diverse range of products and services that align with our vibrant ethos. Plus, I’m thrilled to announce my collaboration with Raptive, an advertising platform that will help me reach even more people who are seeking inspiration for their journey to vibrancy.
Vibrant Guide isn’t just a website—it’s a community, a resource, and a source of inspiration. I’m dedicated to empowering others to live their best lives, one vibrant moment at a time. Keep an eye out for exciting new content and collaborations.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as pivotal: self-discipline, passion, and creativity.
Self-discipline has been essential in staying focused and productive, especially when managing my blog and social media alongside my college studies. It’s about setting clear goals, creating a routine, and sticking to it, even when motivation wanes. My advice for those starting out is to establish a schedule and hold yourself accountable. Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, and celebrate each accomplishment along the way.
Passion is what fuels everything I do. It’s the driving force behind Vibrant Guide and keeps me motivated during the inevitable challenges. For those just beginning their journey, my advice is to pursue what genuinely excites you. Find something you’re passionate about, and channel that energy into your work. Passion will sustain you through the ups and downs, and it will shine through in everything you do, attracting others who share your enthusiasm.
Creativity has been instrumental in setting Vibrant Guide apart and connecting with my audience. It’s about thinking outside the box, experimenting with new ideas, and staying open to inspiration from unexpected sources. To cultivate creativity, I encourage early-stage creators to embrace curiosity and explore diverse interests. Surround yourself with different perspectives, seek out new experiences, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Creativity thrives when you allow yourself the freedom to play and make mistakes.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I’m always on the lookout for exciting collaborations with small businesses that align with the ethos of Vibrant Guide. Whether you’re a fashion brand, fitness studio, culinary artisan, or any other entrepreneurial endeavor, if you have a product or service that enhances the vibrant lifestyle, I’d love to hear from you!
Here’s how you can connect with me for collaboration opportunities:
Reach out via Email: You can send me an email at [email protected] to discuss potential collaborations. Please include details about your business, products/services, and how you envision us working together.
Direct Message on Social Media: Feel free to send me a direct message on Instagram (@vibrantguide). Let’s start the conversation about how we can mutually benefit from collaboration.
Whether it’s through product features, sponsored content, joint promotions, or other creative initiatives, I’m eager to explore ways we can collaborate to amplify your brand and bring value to our vibrant community. Looking forward to connecting with fellow entrepreneurs and creating something vibrant together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vibrantguide.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibrantguide/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-mendelson?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
