We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amoura Carter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Amoura, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
First, I knew that I wanted to do more. The job I had before entrepreneurship wasn’t difficult, but I was good at it. I discovered the action steps and could easily execute them. After five years flew by, I found myself bored, looking out of the window, wondering if I was going to do this forever. During the last year, however, every few weeks, my partner kept asking me when I was going to leave. After the 6th time, I began to ask myself why not.
Honestly, for the first five times he asked when I was going to start my business, I had a million excuses why I needed to stay at my corporate job. We have a two-year-old, my background is mainly education-related, how would I find clients, I want to have more children and the list goes on. But during one especially difficult day, I just decided. I decided to trust myself and make a plan. I also owed it to myself to put out what I’ve put in. I went to Davidson College and have a Masters…I wanted to do more with the education I spent years acquiring.
Second, I did a bit of soul-searching to find what I’m great at and what would make me happy most days, went back to school to make sure I had the credentials to back up the passion and took a leap of faith.
Entrepreneurship has its ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change anything. I’m happier now that I can control my schedule and who I work with. I will tell anyone, who is scared to take the risk, to ask themselves:
Can you do this job for your adult life? If not, get out.
What actually makes you happy and can that career support your lifestyle? If so, do it!
Do you have the credentials to back up your passion? If not, get them.
The last but most important step is to determine how you can make this happen. Write down the steps that will take you from an unfulfilled career to your dream job.
And one more step.
Trust yourself. What are you waiting for?! We spend too much time at work to be unhappy. That’s enough for me to take a risk.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a project manager, creative, content writer, podcast producer, and educator. Through my winding road to entrepreneurship, I discovered that a high percentage of projects fail to realize their full potential because too many project leads do not see the strategic value in a well-thought-out and thorough plan. This realization has guided me towards helping companies become successful through my love of project management, planning, and organizing.
With over 10 years of experience educating children and adults, in addition to 5 years working as a project manager, I have embraced the understanding that strategic management efforts are the foundation for growth, development, and learning.
As an entrepreneur, I’m able to work with my sister, Avery Carter, and cousin, Bianca Guinn to round out AC Creative Collective. We’re able to hone our best skills to create a business that can execute any project from beginning to end (project management, event planning, and marketing/ media).
You can learn more about our seasoned marketing and design professional with a passion for creating compelling brand stories and our event planner here: https://www.accreativecollective.com/about
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?
The three qualities/ skills that have impacted my journey the most are relationship-building, multitasking/ planning, and believing in myself. These qualities/ skills helped me take the leap to entrepreneurship, without which I would still be in my previous corporate position wishing for more.
Find your superpower – Once I decided to take the risk, finding my superpowers was key. I discovered that I enjoy planning and I’m a great multitasker. I would advise anyone early in their journey to find their superpowers. Ask yourself, “What do you naturally excel at?” Then find what careers use those skills.
Stay flexible and curious – After college, I wasn’t afraid to explore multiple career paths. My openness to asking questions and learning new things has introduced me to a wide range of relationships and skills that have helped me along the way.
The years I’ve spent building relationships also made me feel more comfortable taking risks. You never know who you’ve impressed and will need to lean on later in life… build meaningful relationships!
Believe in yourself – And of course, believe in yourself. This is all for nothing if you don’t seriously believe that you can pull it off. You’ve done the prework, now execute!
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
All clients can be great clients if I communicate effectively about the AC Creative Collective value proposition and how we can make them become more successful! I know that sounds cliche, but with my team, we can take projects from any starting point and ensure they reach completion. We create customizable packages based on what you need and meet you where you are. I’ve learned over the years that you must differentiate… you can’t create a one-size-fits-all product… every owner and business has unique needs, customers, and expectations. Visit my website and I can tell you how I can help: https://www.accreativecollective.com/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.accreativecollective.com/
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/amoura-carter-m-ed-08aaa42b
- Other: Email: amoura@accreativecollective.com
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