We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Linnea a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Linnea with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Honestly, I believe it’s in my DNA. First and foremost, it comes from my mother. My mother was a hardworking single mother. She was always working and making a way for us. She was always perfecting her craft and learning. She wanted to be great at whatever she did, and she was! She IS!! She provided me with whatever I needed, and whatever I wanted. It was embedded in me at an early age that nothing comes easy, and that I have to put in the work. Not only to just put in the work, but to put in quality work, consistently. The rewards, the benefits, and the success will fall naturally into place. I’ve witnessed my mother’s greatest accomplishments through this very formula.
My work ethic has also been inspired by Beyoncé. She works so hard, and takes her time to provide her audience with a body of work that is dripping in quality. She is my blueprint when it comes to my creative endeavors. I’m always taking my time, putting great thought into what I put out into the world, and how I put it out into the world. I think about every intricate detail. I think about my legacy. I think about the mark I want to leave in this world. I think about the value I want to add.
By watching both of these BEAUTIFUL QUEENS, I’ve developed a work ethic that is wicked. My mother instilled everything that I needed inside of me in order to be successful. She planted the seed. I am working daily to keep it watered. I learned that no matter where I start, I must put the work in. Especially at the bottom! The work that you put in at the bottom, when you’re just starting out, will dictate your flow and birth your future.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have a passion and love for creating. Back in 2018, I finally found my purpose. I found it through pain. I was tired of experiencing anxiety, depression, and I had went through a serious health ordeal. I decided to build a platform, and publish my writing so that the world could read it. Writing was always something that I loved to do. It is therapeutic. I launched my blog, Linnea Blogs Her Way. I was able to release my raw feelings, emotions, and struggles through my creative writing. I talked about my struggles with anxiety, societal problems, and no topic was off limits. It was the breakthrough that I needed. It was also my way of letting people know, who were dealing with similar struggles that they weren’t alone. I wanted to relate to others. Well, that set off a chain of more creative endeavors. I wanted to build more spaces in order to help others. I wanted to do more and to be more! I wanted to expand my reach, and tap into a new level of creativity.
I launched my podcast, Unpacking The Box Podcast. It’s about unpacking those boxes that have been collecting dust. It’s uncomfortable, but necessary to unpack for the betterment of others. It’s also about informing, challenging narratives, telling unheard stories, empowering, provoking thoughts, conducting inspiring interviews, fun, and exercising my creativity. I also became a self published author of two books, Rooftop Escapes 1&2 which are compilations of creative shorts ranging from love, life, to sex, colorism, rape, racism, and affirmations. In addition, I opened a online store, Unpacking Hoodies and Tees where I sell inspirational and uplifting hoodies & tees.
I wear many hats. I just want to impact and help others in a positive way. I want people to look at me, and know that anything is possible.
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?
I would say being able to communicate effectively, mastering the art of building my mindset to match what I’m trying to accomplish, and developing a great work ethic. I think without these skills and qualities, the journey will be a difficult one to manage.
My advice would be, please know that mindset is everything. Once your mind is in the right place, everything else will fall into place. The skills, qualities, and success that you’’ll attain will be unlimited. You have to want it, want to work towards whatever you want, and believe in yourself. You also have to give yourself grace, and always be open to learning. When you learn, growth is inevitable. You have to let passion, love, and authenticity guide you. It will carry you to wherever you wish to go. Be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I take a step back. I take time out to practice self care. If I don’t, it will lead to a burnout. I focus on clearing my mind. With a clear mind, I can gain clarity. Once I have a clear mind, I can approach whatever is overwhelming me much better.
I would advise people to take a break and to regroup. Go do something fun and free your mind. This will help with clarity. With clarity, it will help you to organize and focus better. You won’t be so overwhelmed. Lastly, I will always tell you to be patient with yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Linnea
- Instagram: instagram.com/unpacking_the_box_podcast/
- Twitter: @unpackingthebox
- Other: Unpacking The Box Podcast: https://www.podpage.com/unpacking-the-box-podcast-with-linnea/
Online store: https://unpackinghoodiesandtees.com/
Blog: https://linneablogsherway.com/
