Alice Ann Elam is a lady who has experienced it all! She started her career working for a cable network in Los Angeles, California, in marketing and sales. After working in that field for over six years, she had an "Eat, Pray, Love" moment and decided to quit her job, backpack through Europe, and then move close to her home in Raleigh, North Carolina to be near her family. 

After taking that sabbatical and moving, she started to pursue her growing passion for digital marketing and advertising. She has been working in that field for over three years now, honing her skills as a marketing strategist. In addition to her paying gig, she has also created a passion project called Oak City Society, a women's networking and empowerment group.

Read on to learn more about her passions and her daily accomplishments.

Occupation:
Marketing Strategist and founder of Oak City Society, a women's networking and empowerment organization.

What was your dream job at 10 years old?
I wanted to be a singer, songwriter, actor, and dancer. At 15, I took the more realistic version of that and wanted to work in the business side of the entertainment industry - which I did!

Tell us about your average day.
Mornings consist of a slow wake up with puppy snuggles, tea, and a book. Then up, dressed, and work on my side hustle for an hour before my "real job" starts. Work my paying gig from 9-5. Then home to eat dinner, a little TV, and maybe take a relaxing bath before an early bedtime.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
The owner of my own online marketing and women empowerment company. (I loved writing this down. It's been in my head, but typing it out gave me butterflies.)

What has been your biggest career struggle so far?
So cliche, but TIME! By the time I get home from my paying gig, I'm exhausted. So, I used daylight savings gaining an hour to work on my side hustle for an hour before work.

And what has been your biggest career win so far?
I think probably getting my first job out of college. I am from a small town in North Carolina and I moved to Los Angeles at 22. I wanted to work in the entertainment industry in marketing and sales. I took every opportunity that came my way and worked hard to prove myself. I landed a Coordinator (Assistant) in the Sales and Marketing Department at a big time cable television network! I knew in that moment this small town country girl had made it big time.

What's the best piece of career advice you've received?
Early in your career, say yes to everything you can. You need me to stay late to work on a project? Yes, I'll do that. You need me to clean the toilets? Sure, where's the cleaning supplies? Eventually they will start asking you to sit in on important meetings and giving you the best projects because they know you will deliver.

What about the worst piece of advice you've received?
You can't (insert whatever I wanted to do here). I've heard this time and time again. "You can't play basketball, you started too late and not tall enough". Watch me... and I made the team in high school. "You can't move out to Los Angeles and work in the entertainment industry. They will eat you alive". Watch me... and I worked in the industry for over six years and no one ever ate me alive. Actually just the opposite. I worked with amazing people. Anyone that actually told me I couldn't, fuelled me to work even harder to prove them wrong. So maybe it was actually good advice since it pushed me!

Who motivates you the most?
Rachel Hollis and Sara Blakely. Their hustle is real and not taking no for an answer.

When do you feel the most confident?
When I've had the prep time to really work through something. I'm a procrastinator by nature, so when I make the time to really dig into something and be really prepared, I feel like I could kill that presentation or project. Then I go in like a boss and nail whatever I was working on. Also, some power posing and some good pump up music helps too.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Currently coveting: A large omelet and hash browns (I haven't eaten breakfast yet).

Favourite way to sweat: Hiking!

Favourite book: I feel like whatever I'm reading now is always my favourite in that moment. So mine is "Girl, Wash Your Face" by Rachel Hollis, which is currently on my nightstand.

Morning bird or night owl? Morning! I joke I turn into a pumpkin at midnight. Reality is lately it's more like 9:30.

Favourite city: There are too many to just pick one. Prague, Berlin, Raleigh, Los Angeles, Paris, Amsterdam, and Denver are my tops for different reasons.

Get in touch with Alice!
Instagram: @aliceannelam
Facebook: Alice Ann Elam
Twitter: @aliceannelam
LinkedIn: Alice Ann Elam
Website: oakcitysociety.com

Know anyone that would be great to feature in the #LadiesWhoHustle series? Connect with me on Instagram to nominate them - or yourself!  ​​

Next on the blog we have the successful, and goal-oriented, Katherine Hernandez. An executive of a national real estate firm and a real estate broker, as well as a single mother to three wonderful children aged 16, 14 and 6, you would think that Katherine has her hands full. But she's not stopping there! Katherine is currently getting prepared to launch a consulting business and venture into sales with her long term plan being to launch a brokerage and start a blog and website. She's the true definition of a lady who hustles, and is breaking through all the boundaries. Let's get right into her interview and learn more about her career!

Occupation:
Executive director and real estate broker.

What was your dream job at 10 years old?
I always wanted to be a lawyer and even got accepted into law school!

Tell us what your typical day looks like.
My typical day is waking up at about 6 am, getting breakfast ready for the kids, and taking my dog for a mile run. Once that is finished, I drop all the kids off at school and go to my office in which I have several meetings and at any point of time am dealing with many escalated issues from the clients, tenants, or employees. After my work day is over, I pick up all 3 kids and make dinner, drop my daughter off at water polo practice and my son at work and hit the gym for about an hour. Once I'm done with all of that, I am online networking, marketing and catching up on e-mails.

Wow, very busy! Let's talk goals. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years I see myself owning and operating several businesses and traveling the world.

What has been your biggest career struggle so far?
My biggest career struggle has been reaching my peak at my current firm. I've gone as high as I can possibly go and have no more room for growth. This is why I decided to start launching my businesses on the side. 

And what about your biggest career win?
My biggest career win was taking over several departments in a billion dollar firm.

That's amazing! Have you received any great career advice along the way?
The best thing you can do is support your team and help them reach their highest potential.

What about some bad career advice?
Only worry about yourself. I did not take this advice!

Who motivates you the most?
My inspiration would be my former Vice President. She taught me everything I know.

When do you feel the most confident?
I feel the most confident when I am given a huge project with a tight deadline and it is solely my responsibility to deliver. I work best under pressure.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Currently coveting: A law degree.

Favourite way to sweat: Running!

Favourite book: The Radical Leap by Steve Farber.

Morning bird or night owl? Both!

Favourite city: Paris.

Get in touch with Katherine!
Instagram: @kat_hernandez_broker
LinkedIn: Katherine Hernandez

I'm happy to announce that the multi-talented Niché Caldwell is my next #LadiesWhoHustle feature! A jack of all trades, she is a wife, a mom of two, and an entrepreneur. Niché is a college graduate with a passion for writing, designing and making everyone in her path prettier and more confident. Above all, she mostly calls herself a creative, because everything she does and loves involves creativity. 

You may know her from the E! Television series WAGS Atlanta, from her feature in Modern Luxury magazine or from her appearance on the runway at fashion week. Read below to learn more about this hard-working lady! 

Occupation:
What am I not is the question!! I am an interior and brand designer, writer, TV personality, host, and blogger.

Wow, you have a lot on your plate! Why do you do what you do?
I hope to inspire young girls while I stay true to my creativity.

What was your dream job at 10 years old?
I wanted to be a plastic surgeon.

I love that, what a unique perspective at 10 years old! If you could have anyone's job currently, who's job would you choose?
I think I'm headed in the direction of this, but Ayesha Curry is killing it with her personal brands, national campaigns and her passion for cooking. I would take that career path and switch out the cooking for designing. I think it's a dream of mine to be notable but not just famous. I want to make an impact whether it be with writing or designing. 

What is one thing people outside of your industry get wrong about your job?
People assume it's easy being a wife of a professional athlete. It's the opposite. Everything is harder and amplified in your most insecure areas.

Let's talk goals! Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, all of our companies will have a building that houses them all, my personal brands will have successfully gone national and I believe I will open a charity by then.

What has been your biggest career struggle so far?
Balancing family life and work life has been really tough. It's hard being creative when you have to stop your mindset by a certain hour because it's time to be a mom again, and vice versa. Sometimes I'd much rather be a playmate with my kids than go into the office. Other than that, finances are the biggest struggle in my career. It takes money to make money.

And what has been your biggest career win so far? 
I was recently on the E! Television series, WAGS Atlanta, I was featured in Modern Luxury, and I had a chance to walk the runway during fashion week! All wins! 

What is the best piece of career advice you've received?
Write the vision, set the goal and make steps towards that one goal every day. Overnight success is 10 years in the making!

What about the worst career advice you've ever received?
You don't have to work for someone else before becoming an entrepreneur. Again, it takes money to make money so working for someone else sometimes is the best thing for you since you can count on a steady paycheque and fulfill your passion.

What are you most proud of?
My marriage and my family. We are rock solid and they are truly a blessing and my main support. I'm so honoured to belong to them and to have them to love.

Who motivates you the most?
My husband is my constant motivator, my children are my reason for pushing through, and my grandmother is the main motivator that I want to make proud. She died when I was 13 and I promised her I'd do my best to be the best. So, for them I try all the harder.

What advice do you have for those looking for a career in your field?
Do your research and don't compare your journey to anyone else's. Everyone's timing is different so stay the course and follow what God's plan tells you.

When do you feel the most confident?
When I'm in full-styled hair and professional makeup with a chic outfit on... I'm unstoppable!

How do you relax?
I enjoy hot yoga to relax away from home, and at home, I love a good old movie, watching Murder She Wrote or a long hot shower.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Currently coveting: Blogger babes on Instagram. 

Favourite way to sweat: Hot yoga and sex.

Favourite book: So many! Where the Sidewalk Ends by CS Lewis and A Day Late and a Dollar Short by Terry McMillan.

Morning bird or night owl? NIGHT OWL!

Favourite '90s jam: All of them! I love and still listen to Brandy's first album. But you can't miss me with any '90s R&B.

Favourite city: New York

What's your spirit animal? Tiger

Favourite singer: Tamia

Favourite food: Low Country Boil

Favourite coffee: Caramel Latte

Get in touch with Niché!
Instagram: @nichecaldwell
Facebook: @nichecaldwell
Twitter: @nichecaldwell

Know anyone that would be great to feature in the #LadiesWhoHustle series? Connect with me on Instagram to nominate them - or yourself!  ​​

Next up, a lady who does it all! From small business owner (of multiple businesses), to mother, and supportive wife, is there anything Jess Belfry can't get done? Jess is the owner of Buckhead Storage, a storage facility for RV's and Boats, and Hustle & Blow Dry Bar, a lifestyle salon based out of Savannah, Georgia. Hustle & Blow Dry Bar contributes to your whole well-being, from hair to skin to cosmetic beauty. And if that wasn't enough for this goal-oriented family, her husband is the owner of Louver Shop of Greater Savannah, which meets all your window treatment needs. 

​Now let's dive deep into Jess and her entrepreneurial spirit and see how this lady crushes all her goals! 

Occupation:
Small business owner.

What was your dream job at 10 years old?
A lawyer.

Tell us what your average day looks like.
I'm awake by 6:00 am and I check e-mails and finalize my social media posts for the day. By 6:30, I am getting my 10-year old up, cooking breakfast and packing lunches. We are out of the door by 7:30 to drop him off at school. I arrive to my first small business by 8:00 am, where I stay for 3-4 hours working with the team to execute a great client experience.

Around noon, I leave to head over to another small business that myself and my husband own. There, I work on billing, inventory, and respond to client inquiries. By 3:00 pm, I am picking up my son from school and getting him settled in for homework and violin lessons.

Dinner is on the table between 5:00 - 6:00 pm and then the day is finished by working on client contracts for both businesses, attending networking events, attending to social media and e-mail inquiries, and setting up anything needing immediate attention for the next day.

Wow, you seem very busy and productive! With all that's going on, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to have sold one of my businesses to someone who has the same energy and eagerness as I currently do and I hope to have at least one of my children managing the other business. I would like to spend my days volunteering and focusing on philanthropy while doing things I enjoy, like spending time with my family, hiking, boating and gardening. 

What has been your biggest career struggle so far?
The biggest struggle has been building a team that shares in the vision of my business and is committed to the long-term success of the company.

And what has been your biggest career win so far?
My biggest career win is to be able to proudly say that my husband and I both own a small business and we also own one together. Our relationship has always been built on an entrepreneurial spirit and having three businesses while managing a family and still having time to hang out with each other is a testament to the support that we continually give each other.

Let's talk about advice! What's the best piece of career advice that you've received? 
Write down your goals and check in with them often. Don't be too hard on yourself if you aren't achieving the goals exactly how you had envisioned. Also, make sure you have a good balance of realistic goals and super lofty goals. I made a mistake of setting a "lifetime goal" and I hit that goal by the time I was 26! I honestly thought that goal would take a lifetime to achieve. I completely underestimated myself!

That's amazing, I love your advice on setting realistic and lofty goals! Have you received any bad career advice so far?
A former boss once told me that I would not be able to achieve my career goals by being in "the state that I was in" (I was pregnant at the time). It was a punch in the gut. It happened when I was 28. Now, 10 years later, it makes me laugh at the ignorance he had. My family has helped make my career goals happen. They lift me up when I get discouraged and seeing their successes keeps me moving forward.

Who motivates you the most?
My career inspiration is Lotte Davis. I had the privilege of working for her for seven years. In those seven years, I learned so much about work/life balance, and about setting and surpassing goals. She is definitely not afraid to share her opinion, even if it sometimes comes across as a bit crass, but at the same time, you know her opinion is based on years of experience and is fuelled by a passion to be the best. 

When do you feel the most confident?
I feel the most confident when I am in the middle of a hectic day. I love being busy and when I am my busiest, I know that it's because of the environment I created.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Currently coveting: Sitting by a warm fire, relaxing.

Favourite way to sweat: Hiking in the great outdoors.

Favourite book: Anything by JoJo Moyes.

Morning person or night owl? Neither! I'm so exhausted by the night that I can't enjoy it. And it takes me at least an hour to feel human in the mornings.

Favourite city: Nashville.

Get in touch with Jess!
Instagram: @hustleandblowdrybar
Facebook: Hustle and Blow Dry Bar
Website: hustleandblowdrybar.com