Name: Melissa Johnson
Age: 28
Job Title and Description: Creative Director at lifestyle website Best Friends For Frosting
Website (if applicable): www.bestfriendsforfrosting.com
Twitter Handle: @BfForFrosting
What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Melissa Johnson: For the past three years, I’ve spent the majority of my time behind the computer managing our contributors, emailing, managing social media, curating content, coming up with content strategies and so much more. Now that I know this part of the business inside and out, it’s time for new ventures. I could not be more excited to switch up my role and finally spend more quality time on the creative side of things. I will be able to focus more on being creative with more photo shoots, video shoots, and creating projects.
What is the best part of your job?
MJ: Creating content aiming to inspire others to be their best selves inspires me every day. We have an amazing team of hardworking girls who are so passionate about everything Best Friends For Frosting embodies. It’s an honor that we can play a role in sharing creative ways and inspiring others to love their life inside and out!
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
MJ: I was a marketing director for my parent’s senior in-home care agency. They sort of handed the position to me. Just kidding… sort of. I loved working for their company and put 110 percent into everything I did. Even though I could have probably gotten away with texting and Facebook-ing at work, I was very self-disciplined and made sure to put my all into my job. Watching my parents operate a 25 year-old company built from the ground up was very inspiring and was living proof to me that, “Your dream job does not exist, you must create it.”
What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
MJ: Content is king! Focus on amazing quality content versus large quantities of mediocre content. One incredible original post has the potential to go viral and create a much more memorable experience for readers versus 30 basic posts.
Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
MJ: Marie Forleo. I am a “B-Schooler” and love her classes and weekly YouTube videos too. She puts the fun in entrepreneurship and makes it relatable.
What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?
MJ: “Your dream job does not exist. You must create it!”
What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
MJ: Before I launched Best Friends For Frosting, I helped my husband launch an art/music/fashion website. We actually ended up spending more than $10,000 on unnecessary legal fees to start up our “corporation.” It was an expensive, valuable lesson that we definitely learned from.
What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?
MJ: Everything! I have so much gratitude to be able to financially support my family while doing something I love and am so passionate about. It’s been surreal to be able to hire people on our team this year.
What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
MJ: They have to be self-motivated and passionate about what we do at Best Friends For Frosting. No matter what degree they have or how amazing they are in other areas, those two are an absolute must!
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
MJ: Make sure that whatever you do bounces back to yourself and your brand authentically. Do what YOU love. Take time to find your own unique voice. I know, it’s a hair awkward at first, but you will get there.
Also, collaborate, collaborate, collaborate! Whether it’s local or online, I think hitting the pavement and collaborating with creatives and go-getters has been one of the most valuable parts of my creative process. When you have a handful of talented people who share your style in one room, magical things are bound to happen.
