Passages

Megan Inderrieden is an artist, entrepreneur, founder of Atlanta-based co-working space The Reverie, and an absolute icon when it comes to letting go, chasing joy, and living a colorful life. Megan’s career started out like so many do: believing her path was meant to look just like the person next to her, filled with tough classes and even tougher work weeks. After reconnecting with her childhood passion for art when she was in college, Megan took up watercolor, announced her hobby to her Instagram followers, and accidentally grew herself into a small business called Painted Parcels. While balancing the corporate 9-5, Megan began hosting art shows and expanded her portfolio of work to serve a quickly growing roster of clients across the U.S. Hitting her breaking point and craving to step into all that life was calling her to pursue, everything changed in one day. Megan ended up walking away after only 6 months in the corporate world to pursue art full time, and of course, the rest was history.

In today’s episode, we walk through Megan’s story chapter by chapter: how her identity took shape when she was young, which chapters woke her up to who she was meant to become, and the exact steps she took to leave Corporate America behind and become her own boss. Embracing a creative life full force ahead is not for the faint of heart, but Megan’s instinct has taken her farther than she could’ve even dreamed. After running Painted Parcels and expanding her studio, Megan also launched a new venture, founding The Reverie, a female-focused coworking space in Atlanta, Georgia. These days, Megan’s still taking major steps forward, with a newly launched rebrand and so much more to come.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Business Boutique: A Woman's Guide for Making Money Doing What She Loves by Christy Wright

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Stay Connected:

Megan's Website: https://www.meg-indy.com/menu

Follow Meg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meg_indy/

The Reverie: https://www.thereverieatl.com/

Follow The Reverie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereverie.atl/

Learn more about The Passages Project: https://www.thepassagesproject.com/

Follow The Passages Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepassagesproject/

Follow Chloe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloebelangia/

Eugenia Kim is a service-oriented software engineer truly giving her all to the field of computing in more ways than one. Eugenia is a full-time software engineer at Microsoft *and* pursuing a masters degree in computer science *and* conducting research on ethical artificial intelligence (AI). Passionate about the ways in which technology can be used for good and advancing the number of women pursuing a computing-oriented career path, Eugenia brings an optimistic, realistic, and empathetic lens to her life and work. In today’s episode, Eugenia reflects on why she fell in love with the field of computing, how she prepared for interviews to set herself up for success, an inspiring philosophy on work-life balance, and how she maintains the stamina to do all the things she wants to in the world of computer science.

Mentioned in this episode:

Cracking the Coding Interview

WomeninTechnology.org 

BetterHelp

New Morning Mercies

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Stay Connected:

Connect with Eugenia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugeniavkim/

Follow Eugenia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eugeniavkim/ 

Learn more about The Passages Project: https://www.thepassagesproject.com/

Follow The Passages Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepassagesproject/

Follow Chloe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloebelangia/

Emily Sermons is a powerhouse of inspiration. After graduating from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computational Media and landing her dream job as a designer with Adobe, Emily set her eyes ahead to what an even more upleveled version of her career could look like. Through trial and error, Emily patched pieces of powerful goal setting practices together to make up her own daily, monthly, and big-picture systems for setting and tracking goals for herself. What she deemed her “Monthly Review” worked—and Emily was recognized with a promotion as the youngest Senior Experience Designer at Adobe, conquering clear goals set before her and more. In today’s episode, Emily walks through her step-by-step guide to understanding, measuring, and actualizing goals to advance your professional interests authentically and efficiently. Emily and Chloe also discuss the power of studying your own resistance, the keys to setting seemingly un-measurable goals, and keeping yourself on track when things outside your control affect your progress. Get ready to take some serious notes!

Learn more about Emily's guide to goal tracking.

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Mentioned in today’s episode:

Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages

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Stay in touch:

Follow Emily on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emsermons/?hl=en

Learn more about The Passages Project: https://www.thepassagesproject.com/

Follow The Passages Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepassagesproject/?hl=en

Follow Chloe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloebelangia/?hl=en

Elisabeth Huijskens holds a Masters of Arts in Strategic Communications for Social Change and Advocacy and is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Trades of Hope. Driven, ambitious, and empowered, Elisabeth runs Trades of Hope, her personal brand, blog, and speaking career with a passion for activating those around her to step into their power and believe in everything they’re capable of impacting on the world. In today’s episode, Chloe and Elisabeth discuss why she chose to pursue her graduate degree when she didn’t need it for her career, how Elisabeth defines ambition, and the philosophy she would share with her college-aged self. If you tune in to today’s episode, be sure to tag @thepassagesproject in your Instagram so we can see and thank you!

Mentioned in today’s episode:

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Quote by Audre Lorde from “Uses of Anger: Women Responding to Racism”

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Keep up with Elisabeth: https://elisabethhuijskens.com/

Follow Elisabeth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisabethhuijskens/

Learn more about The Passages Project: https://www.thepassagesproject.com/ 

Follow The Passages Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepassagesproject/

Follow Chloe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloebelangia/ 

Emily Elizabeth Duong is a serial entrepreneur -- and a crazy successful one at that. Starting her first business in the figure skating industry at age 17, and now operating not one...not two...but three brands alongside her 9-5 in sales, Emily has picked up a thing or two about how to launch, manage, and scale digital brands with poise and professionalism. In today’s episode, I sat down with Emily to better understand her path to entrepreneurship, why she chose to also take on 9-5 in sales, how she’s upleveled her brand aesthetic over the years, and of course, allllll things time management. For all you entrepreneurial mavens out there, this one’s for you.

Mentioned in today’s episode:

Gary (Vee) Vaynerchuk

Spanx: Sara Blakely

How I Built This: The Unexpected Paths to Success from the World’s Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs by Guy Raz

All Saints Leather Leggings

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About Emily: 

Emily Elizabeth Duong is the founder and creative director of Elite Skate Wear and Loshattan Co., as well as the host of the What Fulfills You? Podcast. Originally born and raised from a small town in Pennsylvania, she made her way over to the golden west coast at the age of 18 to pursue college, where she graduated from Chapman University in 2019 with Magna Cum Laude honors. Prior to college, she was an elite-level competitive figure skater and USTA ranked tennis player, which is what she attributes to her diligent mindset and self-discipline she has. Today, she currently resides in Los Angeles, CA where she is focused on scaling her business ventures and podcast community and hopes to be bi-coastal between NYC and LA in the near future.

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Emily’s Blog: https://emilyelizabeth.blog/

Keep up with Emily: https://www.instagram.com/emilyeduong/?hl=en

Loshattan Co.: https://www.loshattan.com/

Elite Skate Wear: https://www.eliteskatewear.com/

What Fulfills You? Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-fulfills-you-podcast/id1497431036

More about The Passages Project: https://www.thepassagesproject.com/about

Follow The Passages Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepassagesproject/

Keep up with Chloe: https://www.instagram.com/chloebelangia/

Margaret Daniel is an interior design assistant at a luxury residential firm in New York City, the founder of her own design business, Margaret Daniel, LLC, and freelance writer for Savannah Magazine. After receiving her Bachelors in Fine Arts in Interior Design from The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Margaret set out to make her mark on the industry she adored, moving to Manhattan in December of 2019. Margaret works with a passion for the built-environment, seeing the opportunity to impact the spaces we work, live, and play in with purpose -- and incredible decor.

Today’s conversation dives into Margaret’s career thus far: how the moves she’s made pushed her to where she is today, and advice she’d impart on anyone inspired by her path. In possibly the most upbeat episode we’ve ever had on this show, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Margaret with a conversation on design, work, and life you never saw coming. 

We discuss:

- The 5-step email framework that landed Margaret industry titans as mentors

- The value of braving microscopic courageous moments to move your future forward

- How storytelling and brand development applies to unlocking your own power

- The one dominating quality that unites both beginners with leaders

- An ode to perfectionism

...and so much more

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Mentioned in today’s episode:

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Keep up with Margaret: https://www.instagram.com/margaretidaniel/

Visit Margaret’s website: https://margaretdaniel.com/

About The Passages Project: https://www.thepassagesproject.com/

Follow The Passages Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepassagesproject/

“Be known for trying.” When Dana Paulita Harmond graduated as a chemical and biomolecular engineer and launched her career in product development and innovation for Georgia Pacific, she was energized by the opportunity to embrace her fullest, analytical self. But at the same time as she’s honed her passion for engineering, and with the same level of passion, she’s spent hours outside of work pursuing an entirely different craft: launching a creative side business as a lifestyle blogger and content creator. Dana’s story and approach to her life and work embody the joy, passion, and reward that comes with engaging in all of her interests wholeheartedly. And her wisdom might shake you to your core.

In this episode, Chloe speaks with Dana about immigrating to the United States taught her about risk and work; how she’s found synergies in seemingly contradictory passions; the ways in which she’s approached making pivotal decisions through college and career; the importance of evaluating your first company’s culture; how she alleviates the tension of imposter syndrome; and so much more. If you’re considering taking on a new creative project, struggling to make peace with your multi-passionate identity, or generally curious about how an engineer and blogger like Dana truly does it ALL, this one's for you.

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Mentioned in today’s episode:

Careers at Georgia Pacific: https://www.gp.com/careers

Nuuly: http://fbuy.me/qP3U8

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Visit Dana’s blog: https://www.danapaulitaharmond.com/

"Balancing a Career + a Passion Project" on Dana's blog: https://www.danapaulitaharmond.com/post/balancing-a-career-a-passion-project 

Follow Dana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danapaulita/

Learn more about The Passages Project: https://www.thepassagesproject.com/about

Follow The Passages Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepassagesproject/

Follow Chloe: https://www.instagram.com/chloebelangia/

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*Lightning round quote credited to: Arthur Ashe

Happy New Year! In today’s episode, Chloe is joined by Ellie Peterson and Alexandria Fagen of The Passages Project team to discuss all things goal-setting for the new year. Together we reflect on what 2020 taught us to start, stop, and continue; the systems we use to dream up short- and long-term goals, how to set resolutions that are intentional and authentic; and tips to make your visions last. We’re so excited to release this conversation, and hope you find it energizing and helpful. Cheers to a new year!

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Mentioned in today’s episode:

- Ep 22: Behind the Scenes of The Passages Project: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/22-behind-scenes-why-how-we-launched-passages-project/id1510172714?i=1000493339639

- Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.com/

- Passion Planner Free Resources: https://passionplanner.com/collections/free-downloads

- Cultivate What Matters Goal Setting Planner: https://cultivatewhatmatters.com/

- Rumble Boxing: https://www.doyourumble.com/

- Vesta Movement: https://www.vestaatl.com/

- The Stolen T Project: https://www.thestolentproject.com/ 

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Follow Along:

- Contribute to The Passages Project: https://www.thepassagesproject.com/

- Nominate a guest: [email protected]

- Shop The Passages Project merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/PassagesProject/shop?asc=u

- Follow The Passages Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepassagesproject/

- Follow Chloe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloebelangia/

- Follow Ellie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elliespeterson/

- Follow Alexandria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrialbf/

Ozioma “Ozi” Orjioke has been building computers from scratch since he was 13 years old. Now, with a quarter of a million subscribers on YouTube and a computing degree behind him, he’s taking the next year to pursue content creation as a full-time gig. But, it took a lot to get here—as it always does—and we’re here to unpack it all.

In today’s episode, hear from Ozi and Chloe as they discuss vulnerability in creative pursuits, reckoning with offline and online identities, finding the courage to withstand judgement, facing and surviving burnout, and more. Ozi shares pieces of his mental health journey as a YouTube creator, including a recognition of when hustle is (and isn’t) needed to achieve long term success. Ozi shares his #1 trick to staying grounded as a digital creator, and some tips and tricks to growing a Youtube channel he’s picked up over the years. Ozi leads with a deep sense of purpose guiding his every decision, and we know you’ll walk away feeling like you can take on the world.

P.S. No episode next week. We’ll see you in 2021!

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Mentioned in today’s episode:

- Marques Brownlee (MKBHD): https://www.youtube.com/user/marquesbrownlee

- Linus Tech Tips: https://www.youtube.com/user/LinusTechTips

- JayzTwoCents: https://www.youtube.com/user/Jayztwocents

- Daring Greatly by Brene Brown: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781592408412

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Stay Connected:

- Subscribe to Ozi on YouTube: (@OzTalksHW): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Jxh95N32m1JvKG_-fQ6QQ

- Follow Ozi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozi.tv/

- Follow OzTalksHW on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oztalkshw/

- Contribute to The Passages Project: https://www.thepassagesproject.com/

- Shop The Passages Project merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/PassagesProject/shop?asc=u

- Follow The Passages Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepassagesproject/ 

- Follow Chloe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloebelangia/

Catherine Ann McManus has taken a few pivots in her early career, and so far, her trust in herself is paying off. After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in speech pathology and acceptance letters from grad schools she’d admired from afar, Catherine felt in her gut that following the path she’d set up for herself wasn’t the right one right away. Instead, she served and fundraised her way as a campus missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) in Kansas. One day, on the phone with a good friend, Catherine got that same feeling: it was time for another change. Knowing her passion for relationship building and negotiating to improve others’ lives, Catherine decided to pursue a career in real estate. She dropped everything, moved to her hometown to study for her exam, and is now a licensed realtor in the Augusta, Georgia area. In her own words, she is “passionate about finding young people homes, and making the buying process as simple as possible.”

Catherine’s story illustrates the sense of purpose that comes with investing in your strengths, and we’re thrilled to welcome her on the Passages podcast today. In this episode, Chloe picks Catherine’s brain on all things real estate: from landing on this career, to the story of working with her very first client, and advice for first-time home buyers ready to take a major new step. If you’re curious about the path to real estate as a professional or prospective home buyer, this episode is for you!

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Recommended in today’s episode:

Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/

Redfin: https://www.redfin.com/

Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194

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Follow Catherine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherineann_realtor/

Follow Catherine on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catherineannrealtor

The Passages Project Website: https://bit.ly/3cBJW2k 

The Passages Project on IG: https://bit.ly/2FYh1JY 

Chloe Belangia on IG: https://bit.ly/30g3HHY