A Piece of M.J.'s Story
Meet M.J., an inspiration to all... From starting her career at the age of 19 to being diagnosed with a very serious disorder, M.J. will not let anything affect her success and happiness. Thank you for being such an inspiration to us and for being so genuine. We wish you all the best and look forward to seeing what the future has in store for you!
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF!I’m a Lifestyle blogger based in Toronto, Canada and I also provide branding and communications freelance work. I’m engaged to my partner of 6 years Peter and we have 2 dogs, our Pomeranian Dolce and Italian Greyhound Tisci (@DolceAndTisci on Instagram).
I worked at the executive level as an Executive Assistant for leaders at some of Canada’s top organizations. I really stumbled upon where I’m at in life with my career (literally) after an injury turned health condition changed my career path in late 2014. Unable to work but not wanting to lose myself, I began creating visual content on social media when I could as a way to keep me stimulated.
By Mid-2016 I knew that I wanted to create more than just visual content. I started to get questions on brands I was posting, beauty routines and more. I began blogging by the Fall of that year to share more content with my friends and followers. I write about a range Lifestyle topics from style to food & drink to life advice, anything I feel my friends and followers would be into.
It wasn't long before the brands and small businesses I built relationships with began asking for me for brand consulting and freelance communications work. Transitioning into branding and communications consulting was a natural progression and a new venture I'm very excited about and continuing to build.
I also write for Style Nine to Five’s blog, a retail recruiting agency based in Vancouver serving companies in Canada and New York City, I focus on style picks, latest trends, and career advice.
Working freelance is something that was a natural step for me in my career journey. Being officially diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2015, I’ve had to find ways to continue doing what I love on a schedule that works for my day to day uncertainties of the condition.
WHAT ARE YOUR FOUR TRAITS AND WHY?
WITTY: I love pairing humor with cleverness, I can make someone laugh while impressing them with my brains, I’ve done my job. I probably got it from being an only child and mostly interacting with older kids/adults as I grew up. My entire family is pretty quick-witted though.
DRIVEN: I’ve always been someone who no matter what, always wants to achieve more and do the best I can. Living with Fibromyalgia for over 2 years has enhanced my drive even more, with me wanting to prove to myself that I can still accomplish what I once could, and more!
CREATIVE: I’m an Aquarius, a textbook Aquarius so creativity is second nature to me. Ever since I was a kid I was always drawing, painting and being encouraged to express my creativity. I’ve never been musically inclined or particularly good at drawing but have always enjoyed it. It wasn’t until later in life that I realized that my sense of visual presentation (wardrobe styling, photography, creative direction) was my creative gift.
STRONG: I was a tomboy probably until the age of 13, and deep down inside I still am, having to keep up with the boys kept me strong physically. My inner strength comes from my parents who always encouraged me to be my best and pushed me to never give up. Starting a career at a young age also taught me strength in my sense of self mainly from having to stand strong and prove my worth amongst my older peers, and learning how to take criticism.
YOU ARE WITTY, HOW DO YOU FEEL THIS HAS MADE YOU WHO YOU ARE TODAY?My wittiness has to be one of the top things I am known for by my friends and family. They can always count on me to deliver that perfect punchline or sassy comment to any situation. It helps brighten peoples moods during sad times and made for some hilarious memories. SO YOU ARE DRIVEN, WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE AT THE MOMENT?
My biggest goal right now is just to continue to stabilize my new normal and rebuild the life and career I once had prior to my diagnosis. I’ve come a long way in the last 2 years but I know there is still plenty more adjusting, growing and improving to be done. WHAT’S A PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WISH SOMEBODY WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU?
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” It’s an Eleanor Roosevelt quote that I have tattooed on my inner right bicep. You are your own worst enemy and at the end of it all, you are the only person that can truly hold yourself back. Start by lifting yourself up and believing that you can achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself, and I promise you that you’ll make it happen.