How I Landed the Biggest Brand Deal of My Career with Carr Workplaces

I never could have known the possibilities that would come from purging my closets, putting stuff in storage, packing up my car, and driving across the country. What I had initially labeled as a “trip for the soul,” quickly turned into one of the best decisions I had ever made for my business.

I documented the journey on my blog and social media. I created short TikTok videos and shared behind-the-scenes content on Instagram. I became very open, almost painfully so, about my life and what I was experiencing. I didn’t do this so much for my business, but rather because I wanted to share my newfound experiences with others. This simple act of “sharing” was enough to gain a collective audience of over 30,000 over the course of 2 months. 

I came alive during this time and what happened next showed me the power of personal branding in a way I had never truly experienced before.

I exemplified what a personal brand can give someone: freedom, autonomy, financial abundance, confidence, and courage. I actively embodied these things, without telling people I actively embodied these things. (It was the epitome of “showing” vs. “telling” people what you do and why it’s important!)

When you share your life openly with others, something amazing happens. You give people the opportunity to learn from your experiences. You become a magnet. The act of sharing who you truly are online is what attracts the right people into your life, both personally and professionally. You make space for healthy business relationships with others who uphold the same values and principles that drive your life and decision-making. This is how I found Michelle Mercado. She sent me a message on LinkedIn that changed the trajectory of my entire life and business.

Michelle, who works in Business Development for Carr Workplaces, approached me with an idea to join forces in 2021. Carr Workplaces is a company that provides nationwide office spaces for professionals who want to reduce social media screen time, be more productive, and gain real momentum in their life and work.

“So, like WeWork?” I asked. 

Well, not quite.

I’ve tried my fair share of coworking spaces. (In the Bay Area, they’re a dime a dozen.)
Carr Workplaces is different.

Carr Workplaces is coworking for the future.

Within my first week, I realized there was something different about working here. First and foremost, I felt like my safety was a top priority, especially because Carr Workplace’s offices are “private” instead of communal like you’ll find at most co-working spaces.

They deliver a concierge-level service that is hard to come by today. In my experience working at The Wing or WeWork, I always felt like I was treated as an afterthought. Though the staff was friendly enough, I rarely felt that my interests were being looked after. When you’re paying as much as one does for a coworking space, you want to feel like you’re receiving the hospitality you would give unto others who visit your spaces, too.

Within my first week at Carr Workplaces, I reduced my mobile screen time by 35% and saw the productivity in my business sky-rocket.

I wasn’t sure how I would acclimate to my new office or how it would impact my routine and business, but I was truly blown away. I realized I had sorely underestimated the benefit of boundaries. It had been so long since I’d had the benefit of separation between home, work, and play. I recognized that boundaries were the missing superpowers that could help me create 10x more impact for the same amount of effort I was putting in.

Above all else, the deepest sentiment I felt upon moving into my new office was that of gratitude and hope for the future. As I looked around the room and saw the many empty desks and chairs that surrounded me, the first thought that came to mind was, “I’m going to fill those chairs one day.” It’s as though the universe (through the hands of Michelle :) gave me a gift and said, “Here, now make something of this.” And that is exactly what I intend to do. 

I see this office as a symbol for the next season of my life. A season of work, a season of substantial growth and possibility. The best is yet to come, stay tuned.