Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Shepherd.
Carrie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve worked in public radio for about 12 years. After my senior year of high school, I discovered Ghetto Life 101, an audio documentary about two boys in the Ida B. Wells housing projects in Chicago. I was so fascinated by it. The audio medium is so intimate and you feel deeply connected when you’re listening alone and following someone’s story.
From there, I knew I wanted to be connected to radio in some way. I’ve been an intern at WBEZ, Chicago’s NPR station, a producer, a daily show runner, and now I’m a reporter.
I get to see so many parts of Chicago and suburbs and meet fascinating people. There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not thankful to answer the question, “What do you really want to do for a living?,” and I respond, “This.”
I’ve also recently launched a fun side gig as a “Style Guide.” It’s different than “Stylist” because the ultimate choice belongs to the shopper. My style is an important part of who I am, and I know now that means so much more than clothes. It’s about the confidence I have in how I dress, and how it connects me with other people. Friends and strangers often asked me where I got something and one of my favorite things to hear is: “I thought of you when I bought this!”
The official name is I Thought of You When.
So, how does it work? I don’t blame anyone who doesn’t like shopping. I don’t like cooking (which I mention because it seems like everyone loves cooking! How is this possible?!) Anyway, I do the shopping for the client. We hang out so I know what they like, don’t like, what parts of their life they want to style, challenges. I make a list of items for parts of their life and how they can wear them. The part of shopping that’s hard for many people is the initial choice of “Do I like this? Will this work on me?” I do that part and the client takes it from there!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My current side gig as a “Style Guide” is too new and fun to have any obstacles! But, I feel experienced in my career as a journalist to answer this.
No road is smooth until it’s in the rearview mirror, right? Like many young women (and maybe men), I didn’t feel smart enough early on. I worked with people with prestigious degrees who had way more experience than me (I went to state school, worked at a record label and watched a lot of live music). And as a young woman, I often worked with all men and people who were older.
So, I did what we all do-“fake it til you make it.” I rode the wave of people who gave me confidence and opportunity. And I took every one of those opportunities. I knew I could work fast, make a decision quickly and get a lot done. So, I did. As I got older, I learned not to sweat the small stuff (or small -minded people), and focus on the work.
I worked with bullies along the way who made me want to quit. I could still name them and the way they tried to (and did) make me feel. I’m still here doing what I love. I don’t know what they’re doing.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m a reporter now, but I feel most connected to my role as Senior Producer of a daily, news talk show. That means I ran the show and had the final say on what goes on air. I made the editorial decisions and worked very closely with the host and producers.
In that role, I’m most proud of the show when we had a very small but mighty team of three – a host, producer and me. I’m sure that sounds like plenty of people to make an hour of radio a day ( I have no idea how many people it takes to ensure an investment makes billions of dollars, or how many to make a good burger). The point is, it’s not a lot. But the three of us were a well-oiled machine that did some great work and had fun.
As for my “Style Guide” job, it’s summed up best by one of my clients. She said, “You’re a half personal shopper, half body image consultant. Telling me to just love my body and play up what I have. It’s been a boost!”
That’s it-clothes to make you feel good and shine who you are.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have had mentors at every step of my career. My first boss at WBEZ was so smart, mature and together. We are still dear friends. In 2015, I was very sick and needed time off. I was deeply depressed as I felt my personal life crumbling, and my professional life uninspiring. I called her right away for advice on whether I should take time off work. She helped it make sense and that time off saved me.
Don’t expect one mentor to be everything. I have built relationships that serve different purposes-someone who comforts you when you’re emotional, someone who can help with sticky relationships at work, someone who gives straight career advice. Mentors make you better at what you do, but also help you find who you are.
They’re also like any other relationship-work at them! Don’t just expect mentors to find you. You have to find them. And BE A MENTOR! It’s imperative that we women work at emboldening other women to speak up and fight for themselves. It’s not an option-it’s mandatory. We’ve lived it and seen it, so give advice to younger women trying to figure it out. You are your best advocate-BE IT!
Pricing:
- $50/hour, $90/2 hours
Contact Info:
- Phone: 312-515-7023
- Email: ithoughtofyouwhen@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cshep27/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cshepherd
Image Credit:
Evan Timms
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