One of my favorite career chapters began with a simple yes — to freelance work that blossomed into one of the most pivotal opportunities of my life.
Back in 2017, Indie Beauty Expo had already grown from its New York roots to Los Angeles, and Dallas was next on the map. For me, it was a turning point — a chance to shift from a company that was losing momentum into a new world full of creativity, energy, and possibility.
The Friend Who Opened the Door
I have my dear friend Katy to thank for that moment. She and I had already weathered years together in the trenches of event design: late nights, high-stakes pitches, and the kind of challenges that cement lifelong bonds.
By the time she left for Indie Beauty Media Group, I was still holding down the fort at our old firm, determined to fight through the changes. But the writing was on the wall: pay cuts, office moves, shifting leadership. The energy that once fueled me was fading.
Then Katy called. She needed design support for a growing workload at IBMG. Just a few projects, she said — some signage, a slideshow for Indie Connect. It sounded small, but it was exactly the spark I needed.
From Freelance to Full-Time
Freelancing with IBMG quickly turned into so much more. After meeting the co-founders and the team, I was offered a full-time role. The decision wasn’t hard.
It meant reconnecting with a friend, stepping into a company that was buzzing with excitement, and immersing myself in an industry built on creativity and innovation. I said yes — and that yes changed everything.
Launching Dallas: Behind the Work
Pulling off IBE Dallas was no small feat. In addition to the show itself, we introduced an educational component the day leading up to it — Indie Connect (what would later evolve into BeautyX Summit).
What I remember most isn’t just the signage I designed or the hours of prep. It’s the feeling of walking through the doors as the event came alive:
-
- Meeting founders eager to share their latest innovations.
- Watching consumers discover brands they’d never seen before.
- Seeing retailers, press, and industry insiders all under one roof, buzzing with curiosity.
IBE Dallas was more than a trade show. It was a launchpad for dreams, and I had a hand in helping bring it to life. Catch the event recap below and see if you can find me at the 0:56 mark.
Lessons I Carry Forward
Looking back, a few lessons stand out:
- Say yes, even when it feels small. That freelance project became the doorway to years of growth and impact.
- Follow the energy. Leaving a sinking ship was hard, but the shift toward a company on the rise reignited my creativity.
- Work with people who light you up. Reuniting with Katy reminded me that the right teammates make everything better.
Closing Reflection
Dallas was the beginning of a journey that shaped the next chapter of my career, and my life. Sometimes the biggest leaps start with the smallest invitations.
So here’s my takeaway: if an opportunity sparks excitement, even in a whisper, lean in. You never know where that yes might lead.
p.s. stay tuned for an IBE Dallas 2017 photo essay with before, during and after photos & videos!
No Comment! Be the first one.