At just 16 years old and without a license, you expressed your 10 year old needs from me to be successful in your pursuits of starting Sweets by Alexandria, which was, “Mom, all I need you to do is drive the car!” Shortly afterwards you added, “I’m also going to need you to sign these legal documents(leases, contracts, licenses, insurance, etc.), because I’m not 18.” So happy I took that chance on you!!! BGG!!!
“Imagine a “thank you” dinner for the people who shaped your path—who gets invited and why? 🍽️”
first of all, I have to say you’re unlocking the good and it’s truly meaningful with reflections like this. it resonates deeply with thoughts I’ve had myself. How we all just need someone to take a chance on us—to give us that opportunity to be who we’re meant to be, to fully show up as ourselves.
there are a few people who’ve taken a chance on me, and if I were to host a thank-you dinner for them, these names would undoubtedly be on the list:
Ojo, my former co-founder while I was running a media company—he was like the whistleblower for our brand, and his faith in what we were building definitely brought me into the fold.
Seth Godin (https://seths.blog)—Without a doubt. He introduced me to the path of writing, and while he’s widely known for marketing and his daily blog, his influence on me was deeply personal. During the pandemic, when everything seemed uncertain, his words gave me the push I needed to finally start writing. He set me on this path.
Laura Belgray (https://www.talkingshrimp.com)—Her work through The Talking Shrimp newsletter has been transformative for me. While Seth Godin got me into writing, Laura taught me how to bring myself into my writing. She showed me the power of writing with authenticity, of sharing personal stories, and weaving elements of who I am into my words. Through her I learned how to embrace my writing fully.
these are just a few names that come to mind, but I know there are others who, directly or indirectly, have taken a chance on me. For some, like Seth and Laura, I’ve never even met them, but through their work, they’ve shaped my journey and inspired me to step onto the path I’m on today.
this is my thank-you dinner list—those who saw something in me, whether intentionally or just through the impact of their work, and gave me permission to believe in myself.
Alexandria, which others would you add to your list?
Can I get an invite to this dinner? Lol but seriously, this is such a beautifully written reflection. Your list is a testament to the power of belief, connection, and the many ways people can impact our lives, even from afar.
I love how you highlighted not only those who supported you directly, like Dave and Ojo, but also those whose work unknowingly lit your path, like Seth Godin and Laura Belgray because it’s a reminder that influence isn’t always about proximity - it’s about resonance, which can come from anywhere, at any point in time. What an opportunity we have, then, as writers.
The way you described Laura’s guidance in helping you bring yourself to your writing is profound. I’m sold! Going to her website and figuring out how to become a ‘shrimper.’ 😄🍤
Thank you for sharing your gratitude so openly. You’re absolutely unlocking the good in the most meaningful way.
I wish I had time to write my thank-you dinner list right now but maybe this could be a topic of a future newsletter? What I can say is, the table would be full. I have so many to thank for where and who I am today. I’m endlessly grateful.
good luck being a shrimper and I’ll definitely love to read that post on you sharing the thank yous to those who have helped you unlock the good.
i would love to read such a post whenever it is you drop it please just let me know. I want to see it and I feel like you deserve to do it for yourself not even them. I feel like there’ll be something there for you to unlock as well.
"My journey is a testament to how much access and opportunity can change a life." I love your mission statement and the compassion you share through your words.
At just 16 years old and without a license, you expressed your 10 year old needs from me to be successful in your pursuits of starting Sweets by Alexandria, which was, “Mom, all I need you to do is drive the car!” Shortly afterwards you added, “I’m also going to need you to sign these legal documents(leases, contracts, licenses, insurance, etc.), because I’m not 18.” So happy I took that chance on you!!! BGG!!!
I love you!!! 💛 Couldn’t have done any of it without you!
“Imagine a “thank you” dinner for the people who shaped your path—who gets invited and why? 🍽️”
first of all, I have to say you’re unlocking the good and it’s truly meaningful with reflections like this. it resonates deeply with thoughts I’ve had myself. How we all just need someone to take a chance on us—to give us that opportunity to be who we’re meant to be, to fully show up as ourselves.
there are a few people who’ve taken a chance on me, and if I were to host a thank-you dinner for them, these names would undoubtedly be on the list:
Dave Obada (https://www.instagram.com/daveobada)—He’s someone who really believed in me, and his support has been foundational.
Ojo, my former co-founder while I was running a media company—he was like the whistleblower for our brand, and his faith in what we were building definitely brought me into the fold.
Seth Godin (https://seths.blog)—Without a doubt. He introduced me to the path of writing, and while he’s widely known for marketing and his daily blog, his influence on me was deeply personal. During the pandemic, when everything seemed uncertain, his words gave me the push I needed to finally start writing. He set me on this path.
Laura Belgray (https://www.talkingshrimp.com)—Her work through The Talking Shrimp newsletter has been transformative for me. While Seth Godin got me into writing, Laura taught me how to bring myself into my writing. She showed me the power of writing with authenticity, of sharing personal stories, and weaving elements of who I am into my words. Through her I learned how to embrace my writing fully.
these are just a few names that come to mind, but I know there are others who, directly or indirectly, have taken a chance on me. For some, like Seth and Laura, I’ve never even met them, but through their work, they’ve shaped my journey and inspired me to step onto the path I’m on today.
this is my thank-you dinner list—those who saw something in me, whether intentionally or just through the impact of their work, and gave me permission to believe in myself.
Alexandria, which others would you add to your list?
Can I get an invite to this dinner? Lol but seriously, this is such a beautifully written reflection. Your list is a testament to the power of belief, connection, and the many ways people can impact our lives, even from afar.
I love how you highlighted not only those who supported you directly, like Dave and Ojo, but also those whose work unknowingly lit your path, like Seth Godin and Laura Belgray because it’s a reminder that influence isn’t always about proximity - it’s about resonance, which can come from anywhere, at any point in time. What an opportunity we have, then, as writers.
The way you described Laura’s guidance in helping you bring yourself to your writing is profound. I’m sold! Going to her website and figuring out how to become a ‘shrimper.’ 😄🍤
Thank you for sharing your gratitude so openly. You’re absolutely unlocking the good in the most meaningful way.
I wish I had time to write my thank-you dinner list right now but maybe this could be a topic of a future newsletter? What I can say is, the table would be full. I have so many to thank for where and who I am today. I’m endlessly grateful.
good luck being a shrimper and I’ll definitely love to read that post on you sharing the thank yous to those who have helped you unlock the good.
i would love to read such a post whenever it is you drop it please just let me know. I want to see it and I feel like you deserve to do it for yourself not even them. I feel like there’ll be something there for you to unlock as well.
"My journey is a testament to how much access and opportunity can change a life." I love your mission statement and the compassion you share through your words.