Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cecilia Fay. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cecilia, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter Syndrome is not easy to overcome. It is something I deal with almost every day. Being a female in any room is difficult but being the youngest in any room is even more difficult, which I usually am.
Defeating imposter syndrome usually starts with a deep breath. I then remind myself of how hard I have come. I also think about the circumstances that led me to certain opportunities and how everything has always worked out. I try to live by this quote, ” If things were supposed to work out in any other way, they would have.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
After graduating in 2021 with a PR degree from the University of Memphis, I began the job searching process with the intent of finding a different kind of PR firm. I wanted to work for a creative agency that focused more on collaboration instead of competition. This would be a place where creative young professionals could do business, learn, and grow without having to worry about corporate lingo, boring cubicles, or red tape. She wanted a business that would help mom-and-pop shops, entrepreneurs, artists, and local communities. I ended the search and decided to build one of her own.
Cecilia Fay Communications opened its virtual and digital doors in May 2022. In the fall of the same year, Cecilia Fay Communications grew from a one-woman operation to a team of three. Our firm is made up of myself, Cecilia Fay, Creative Executive Assistant Anne Margaret Carithers, and Graphic Designer, Mary Hannah Gaushell. Since May of 2022, Cecilia Fay
Communications has helped 20+ clients with their social media presence, creative branding, and public relations efforts.
Cecilia Fay Communications is a woman-owned social media and creative PR firm based in Memphis, TN. We help businesses and organizations tell their stories in an authentic way that engages their customers and builds relationships. We are passionate about helping local businesses make an impact in their communities, and we believe in the power of storytelling to create connections and drive results. We offer a full suite of social media and PR services, from strategy development to content creation to event management. We’re proud to serve clients all over the Memphis area and beyond.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Grit & Perseverance 2. The ability to Network and build connections
3. The ability to trust my gut
1– When I was a teenager, I learned a lot about the power of grit and how much it impacts success. I was diagnosed with a learning disability in my freshmen year of high school and had to start from scratch in the classroom and in life. Angela Duckworth, a psychologist who studies grit defines grit as “living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” It’s about not being the smartest in the room but being the one who takes failure and learns from it. Grit is the ability to keep going and this is exactly what I did and continue to do today. To be any type of leader, you must be able to take challenges and allow them to impact you for the better. Everyone starts at the bottom, but it’s up to you where you go from there.
2. — Going to college is such a fun experience but it’s also where you need to start building your network. No matter what industry you are in, it’s important to connect with leaders and find people who align with your values. Linkedin is a great tool for this. I think every college sophomore should have a Linkedin page. Connect with folks and reach out to them. You never know what this connection could turn into. Another great way to network is to join campus groups and find local events where you can meet new people at. It’s never too early to start building your network!
3. — After I graduated from college and began the job interview process, I knew that the corporate world was not right for me. When people ask me what made me start my business right after school, I always tell them I just knew it was the right choice. Always go with your gut and trust your intuition. Don’t let anyone else make decisions for you. Everyone will try to tell you what the best thing to do is, but it’s not the best if it’s not for YOU.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
My biggest challenge is staying still and knowing that some goals are long-term and not short-term. I often want to jump to the next thing or the next big project because I think ambition alone can get it done. That is not the case. Within the last year, I have learned how to be patient and plan out my goals instead of trying to make them happen in a matter of days.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ceciliafaycomm.com/about
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceciliafaycomm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ceciliafaycomm/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-fay-2b3b851b5/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ceciliafcomm
Image Credits
Erica Haskett Faith Waggener
