Vol. 6, No. 32 | The Life of A Brand Ambassador
Hey ya’ll!
I was chatting with someone the other day who said she’d been reading my newsletters hoping I’d write about it my life as a brand ambassador, but there was nothing. I think I hadn’t written anything because I’m still so new and there are many things that I’m still learning and sorting through. But, this morning after two months, I woke up finally feeling (mostly) settled so now I can comfortably reflect.
Here’s what I’ve been thinking so far:
Dream job. This is exactly what I’ve always wanted to do and every day I wake up really grateful about that. That’s the easiest way I can answer how I became a brand ambassador. A year ago I journaled about what I wanted to do. I wrote very key things but left room for the universe’s interpretation and when I look at that journal entry now, I’m doing exactly what I asked for and it’s even better than I could have hoped. I now know an army of brand ambassadors and I think everyone’s journey looks a little different so I don’t think it matters much how I got here. Instead, I’d say to anyone about anything they want to achieve: write it down. Be intentional.
Insecurities. Even though this is exactly what I’ve wanted to do, it’s brought up every insecurity possible. That wasn’t something that I was prepared for. I wouldn’t say it was imposter syndrome. There were just many times that I found myself doubting everything that I knew and everything I’ve done. Returning to my meditation practice helped this as well as drinking ashwaghanda tea.
Gas stations. I didn’t anticipate how much I’d dislike gas stations that make you go inside for a receipt. These places piss me off and every time I come across one, I make a mental note never to go back there.
Drinking. Whoo. I’ve had so much to drink these past couple of months. Last month I had to make it my priority to figure out how to manage this. When I’m trying things that bartenders are excited about, I’ll taste, but I won’t finish the cocktails. Low ABV cocktails are also my best friend.
Always On. I’ve been an entrepreneur for a long time now, so I’ve always understood this because I represented myself. I do feel some additional pressure representing a brand though. There isn’t a single moment of my day that I don’t represent St~Germain. I was putting a lot of pressure on myself to do that well (I’m sure that’s why the insecurities popped up). Now I know to just be myself and it will all be fine.
Always Working. There isn’t any point of the day when I couldn’t be doing something. This isn’t a problem for me because I genuinely love to work as long as it’s work I enjoy and I enjoy this. I’m also very good at taking care of myself and make sure I get adequate sleep and I’m now kickboxing again.
My faves. My heart and my head hurts a little when I find out that some of my favorite places in Atlanta don’t carry St~Germain. My brain goes: “I love you. I love this. You should love this.” Sigh.
What I actually do. I think this is the hardest to try and explain. The short answer is education and advocacy. I’m the face of St~Germain in Atlanta. The longer answer is that each day looks a little different. Some days (mostly Mondays when everything is closed), I’m doing a lot of admin—expenses, reporting, planning, recapping. On Tuesdays I have a lot of meetings/calls. Tuesday to Friday evenings I’m usually out at a bar. In between there I’m planning events, coming up with cocktail concepts and setting up meetings. No two days look the same, something else that I enjoy.
The best part. The best part for me has been connecting with bartenders. It’s such a hard time in the industry right now. Every time I get to talk to a bartender about what they’re into and what they’re creating it invigorates me. I get to be around creatives all of the time and there isn’t anything better than that. I feel a great amount of pride and responsibility that I get to support them.
Hope you’re all well and that you have a great holiday weekend!
Shannon