Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelley Rojas.
Shelley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Hi, I’m Shelley, a Type A Creative, storyteller, executive, people person, podcast fanatic and mama to two boys ages 16 and 10. After a few years of teaching dance and waitressing while taking my basics at a local junior college, I started a job as a receptionist. It was my first corporate position. A new environment, new wardrobe, new everything – it was exciting and scary.
Cut to 15+ years later, three different companies, and a lot of hard work, grit, self-education and personal growth, I now lead and support a team of incredibly talented people as a Vice President of Creative.
Titles have never been a driver for me, however, I share that to set the framework. I am lucky to share the gift of experience, especially as a female creative professional. But, since this isn’t a movie where I can go back in time and advise my 23, 30 or even 35 year-old-self of what I know now… I feel called to share my experiences and insights with others so they can hopefully better navigate and accelerate their journey.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Yes and no. Navigating the corporate world can be challenging, especially for women. In the beginning, I was young and inexperienced, and I had no idea how it all worked. However, I have an intense work ethic, am an overachiever and determined.
I was incredibly fortunate that the first company had a massive element of personal development attached to it. It was my first exposure and it has changed my life in so many ways. It continues to be a significant part of my life and work. I have had the opportunity and pleasure of working with amazing thought leaders like Rachel Hollis, Kindra Hall, Mel Robbins, Darren Hardy, and John Maxwell.
I also have had colleagues throughout my career who saw potential in me at different stages. Some were supporters and advocates, and others I consider true mentors. These people were willing to invest time with me, and give me opportunities to take on new responsibilities which made it possible to grow professionally.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I started my career in an entry-level position, after a few promotions I had the opportunity to work in video production where I fell in love with storytelling! I sat in the edit bay, stood behind the DPs during shoots and asked A LOT of questions. Working with the video team quickly transitioned into helping at conferences where I found another passion in live event production. It quickly grew into stage managing, then producing and directing and now even stepping out from behind the curtain to speak.
Currently, I lead a team of exceptional creatives that operate as a small scale agency supporting companies and entrepreneurs with their branding and marketing through design, messaging strategies and storytelling across all mediums, including a significant publishing business.
I like to think my differentiators are my passion for learning and embracing new ideas, a high level of emotional intelligence, and supporting others in their success.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is 100% personal. My criteria for success in my career is based on helping my team and clients to be successful as well as supporting other female professionals in their career development.
It doesn’t matter what your company does or what your product line is. The key to business success is people. When people feel valued, appreciated and trusted to do what they do best, it fuels unbelievable levels of creativity, execution and teamwork.
As a creative, I also define success by the process just as much as the end result. The experience matters, for everyone involved.
Contact Info:
- Website: shelleyrojas.com (coming soon)
- Instagram: @shelleyrojas_
- Other: linkedin.com/in/shelleyrojas
Image Credit:
Debi Podvalova
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