Follow Your Dreams Friday: 10 Questions with Robyn Peterman
Today's Follow Your Dreams Friday interview is with Lexington native and New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Robyn Peterman. Robyn is one seriously cool and interesting lady -- a former Broadway actress turned writer of paranormal romance novels. And, it seems that "being fascinating" is her family business: her husband is actor Steve Zahn, who's been in just about every movie you've ever loved, from Reality Bites to You've Got Mail to Dallas Buyers Club, while her father, John Peterman, founded the J. Peterman Company, which produces the greatest catalog of all time. Robyn graciously answered our questions about life, writing, and family.
Image via robynpeterman.com.
HK: Tell us about yourself.
RP: Hello my name is Robyn…I’m a wife, mom, taxi driver, dish washer, clothes folder, bed maker and a NYT best selling author of snarky sexy paranormal and contemporary romance. Actually, I never make the bed. Ever.
I write because the people inside my head won’t leave me alone until I give them life on paper. My addictions include laughing really hard with friends, shoes (the expensive kind), Target, Coke Zero Cherry with extra ice in a styrofoam cup, bejeweled reading glasses, my kids, my super-hot hubby and collecting stray animals. I am a former professional actress, with Broadway, film and T.V. credits. I now live in the south with my family and too many animals to count. Writing gives me peace and makes me whole, plus having a job where I can work in my underpants works really well for me.
HK: You trained as an actress; when did you first get interested in writing?
RP: I spent most of my adult as an actress, but I’ve always written. However, I never actually finished a book until two years ago! Now I have seven books published with two more coming out this fall.
HK: Your fiction isn’t for the faint of heart. Tell us a little bit about it.
RP: I write the books I want to read. Yes, they are snarky, profane and people have been known to do the nasty in them, but they are funny and I adore writing them. I had no clue if readers would enjoy them, but I have been delighted with feedback, sales and reviews.
Fashionably Dead by Robyn Peterman
HK: You come up with some absolutely hilarious turns of phrases, a lot of which I can’t really quote here on the blog. Things like this gem on the perks of immortality: “Now I’m a Vampyre. Yes, we exist whether we want to or not. However, I have to admit, the perks aren’t bad. My girls no longer jiggle, my ass is higher than a kite and the latest Prada keeps finding its way to my wardrobe.” My takeaway from your books is that none of us should take ourselves too seriously. Is that a fair read on them?
RP: Yes. Yes. Yes.
HK: You come from a family of big personalities; is storytelling everywhere in the Peterman-Zahn household?
RP: My family is fantastically nutty. We are loaded with actors, screen writers and maverick entrepreneurs. My kids are a riot and we are a very happy bunch!
John O'Hurley as "J. Peterman" on Seinfeld.
HK: Like so many folks, I still can’t get over Seinfeld. I had the pleasure of meeting your father when he spoke to my management class in college; he was a fascinating guy, and far less insane than John O’Hurley’s character. What was it like seeing a fictional version of your dad on Seinfeld?
RP: It was great seeing my dad spoofed on Seinfeld. He got a huge kick out of it! Ironically I ended up doing a movie called Sour Grapes (directed and written by Larry David, the creator of Seinfeld) He had no clue I was J. Peterman’s real life daughter until I told him the first day of shooting.
HK: My favorite Steve Zahn character is Davis from Treme. Which of your husband’s characters is your favorite?
RP: It’s hard for me to pick a favorite character for Steve. I am biased and I think he’s amazing in everything. However, I do love to watch him in Happy Texas and Saving Silverman.
HK: Do you have a favorite character you’ve written, or is that like asking a parent to choose a favorite child?
RP: My favorite characters are always the ones I’m writing about at the time. I fall in love easily and adore them all equally.
HK: Do you have any warnings for potential readers of your series?
RP: Not really. Readers can read the description and read a sample of the book. I know when I look for books, I read a sample and often check out the reviews. People love me or hate me…they are very rarely neutral.
HK: What advice do you have for HerKentucky readers who are working on a novel of their own?
RP: My advice to writers is simply to write. You have nothing to lose. I am forty-blahblahblah and I have a new successful career. Write what you love, but be aware of the market to a certain degree. You may have a passion for writing about the magical unicorns that helped win the Civil War, but you might have a hard time finding an audience.
Writing groups are essential for me and honest critique partners and beta readers are heavenly. First drafts can suck the wad—don’t worry. That’s what second, third and fourth drafts are for. AND editors are a must.
It’s a wonderful time for authors right now. There are a variety of ways to be published. I am a hybrid author. I am both indie and published through NY. I am a member of Romance Writers of America and KIW (Kentucky Independent Writers).
Writing rocks and if you want to do it, just do it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t…
In addition to the fascinating stories and amazing advice, Robyn has offered four e-books of her title Fashionably Dead Down Under to lucky HerKentucky readers. You can enter using the Rafflecopter widget below!
{Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links; a small portion of any Amazon purchase will support HerKentucky.com}
Follow Your Dreams Friday: 5 Questions with Miss Kentucky 2013 Jenna Day
Miss Kentucky 2013 Jenna Day did a fantastic job of representing our state this year! The beautiful, talented, and down-to-earth Louisville native and UK student has been an amazing ambassador for the Bluegrass State this year, and we can't wait to see what she does next!
HK:Tell us a little about yourself.
JD:
My name is Jenna Day. I am originally from Louisville Kentucky, but I moved to Lexington to attend the University of Kentucky. There I am a political science major and will begin my senior year this fall. A year ago I was crowned Miss Kentucky 2013 and I have taken a sabbatical from school to work for The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s “Kentucky Proud” campaign, During my year I was able to make hundreds of appearances, talk to over 60,000 students, and countless individuals. This past weekend I crowned the new Miss Kentucky who will continue on where I have left off, encouraging young people to buy local and create a healthier life for themselves.
HK: When did you first set your sights on the Miss Kentucky crown?
JD:
I had dreamt about the title of Miss Kentucky for a long time. In fact all of the women in my family competed for the title. My mother completed when she was young, my older sister competed, I even have an aunt who competed. When I became old enough, I decided to follow in their footsteps. However, it was never about the crown. It was always about the lives I could reach with the job.
HK: What is it like to hear your name being announced as the new Miss Kentucky?
JD:
There is no other feeling like it. Years of hard work pay off. I still feel so unbelievably blessed to have had this opportunity.
Jenna dons the Miss Kentucky crown for the last time before the 2014 pageant.
HK: What’s next for you?
JD:
I will be finishing my degree at the University of Kentucky, continuing some of my advocacy projects, and praying that the Lord will direct my paths. Additionally I will be starting my own communications consulting business, because I believe in helping young women find their voice and establish their own leadership style. What is most exciting about living this dream and passing on the title of Miss Kentucky is that now I get to go and find a new dream.
HK: What advice do you have for girls who dream of becoming Miss Kentucky?
JD:
Get involved, start attending some prelims to learn the ropes, and then dive in. Just remember, the most important thing is to be yourself.
Follow Your Dreams Friday: 5 Questions with Chrishell Stause of Days of Our Lives
Today's Follow Your Dreams Friday spotlights Chrishell Stause, the gorgeous Kentucky-born actress who plays Jordan on Days of Our Lives.
Chrishell is a native of Draffenville, Kentucky and an alumna of Murray State who previously portrayed Amanda on All My Children. She was so sweet and friendly to interview -- she answered my request with a prompt "Sure! I have lots of state pride!"
Thanks so much to Chrishell for taking the time to talk charity, soap operas, and the pursuit of dreams! -- HCW
HK: Tell us a little about yourself.
CS: I am a proud Kentuckian that graduated from Marshall County High School and then went on to get my degree at Murray State University. I always wanted to be an actress since I was little and after graduating college I moved to Los Angles to do just that. After a year of waiting tables, my dream came true and I was moved to New York City for my first job on All My Children.
HK: What’s it like “living out” the crazy story lines of daytime TV?
CS: Having worked in daytime for over eight years now I have gotten to play so many amazing and, yes, sometimes downright crazy story lines! I have a blast with it. It's a lot of work, but you never get bored because it is always changing and it definitely keeps you on your toes.
HK: Tell us about your charity work with
Upward Bound House. It seems like a great organization.
CS: Working with this organization has meant so much to me along with the families I've been able to help along the way. Homeless families are not only given a place to stay for a year, but during that time they are equipping them with the proper tools and education to enter the workforce and help them land and stay on their feet.
HK: You’ve lived in NYC and LA. What do you miss most about Kentucky?
I miss the people the most! I always feel so welcomed when I come home even if they are complete strangers. You really can't beat good old southern hospitality!
HK: What is your advice for small town Kentucky girls who dream of acting?
CS: Well, unfortunately my advice would be to move. I would give anything if I could do what I love and stay in my home state, but I will have to settle for hometown visits when I can. If they are still in school I would say to get into plays and take classes. But if you truly want to be an actor or actress, you have to make that scary leap and follow your dream to be discovered. And you also can't be discovered if you don't put yourself out there. So get out there and go do it!
Follow Your Dreams Friday: 5 Questions with Lori Cheek of Cheek'd
Have you ever seen that show Shark Tank, which pairs entrepreneurs with potential celebrity investors? Tonight's episode features Kentucky native Lori Cheek, whose NYC-based startup Cheek'd is the next big thing in online dating. Lori graciously sat down for five questions with HerKentucky.
Photo by
.
HK: Tell us a little about yourself.
LC:I was born and raised in a tiny, one stop light town in Taylorsville, Kentucky, which I thought was the smallest place in the world. As early as I can remember, I knew there was something out there I had to find and it felt far, far away. I eventually stumbled into a bigger city and studied architecture at University of Kentucky. During my studies, I guest interned at a New York City firm for just one week and was immediately hooked on the magic, diversity and energy of the city. On Graduation Day, in May of 1996, I tossed my royal blue tasseled hat into the air, sped home to pack up my Ashland Avenue apartment into a U-Haul and without a job or much of anything lined up, I headed straight for the big city to start building my dreams.
After working in architecture, furniture and design for 15 years for companies such as Christian Dior, Goldman Sachs and Vitra, I came up with an idea that lead me into the NYC World of Love and Technology and am now solving missed connections one card at a time. I completely threw away my design career and am no longer building structures… I'm now building relationships.
HK: How does Cheek’d work?
LC: Cheek’d bridges the gap between online dating and real-world romance by providing members with physical cards that they can use to entice people from the real world to flirt with them in the virtual world. It’s the 2.0 version of “Call Me.” The cards offer a real purpose and advantage to other online dating sites and expand a subscriber’s dating opportunities beyond the pool of people registered with an online dating service. By bringing the social aspect back into dating and moving it from your computer to your everyday life, Cheek'd is giving its members an opportunity to leverage technology without completely depending on it, while promoting a safe and playful interaction in the physical world at a time when virtual interaction is growing and online privacy is scarce. Cheek'd, coined by The New York Times as “the next generation of online dating” has gone global with customers in 47 states in America and 28 countries internationally. And I know it works because after decades on my own relentless pursuit for love, one day a couple of summers ago, I was sitting solo at a Crab Shack in Montauk and with no AT&T signal, I decided to toss my best friend, “iPhone,” into my beach bag and when I looked up, a mysterious, gorgeous man in Ray Bans and a baseball cap sitting right next to me said, “Nice tattoos.” I handed him the Cheek’d card that reads, “let’s meet for a drink.” We met for that drink and now we're engaged!
Photo by
HK: Cheek’d is such a great concept — it adds a personal edge to online dating. How did you come up with the idea?
LC: Six years ago, I was out to dinner with a friend & architectural colleague and I had excused myself from the table. When I returned, my handsome dinner date had scribbled on the back of his business card, “want to have dinner?” As we were leaving the restaurant, he slid that card to an attractive woman at a nearby table. He left with a pending date. I left with an idea... It had happened to me a thousand times during my NYC commute—spotting that intriguing stranger on a train, in a café, crossing the street, at baggage claim, etc. and nearly 999 of them got away. Handing a business card could have been one answer, but I was entranced by the mysterious gesture of handing it to the object of your affection and removing the personal details included on a typical business card, which is simply too much information to hand to a total stranger. A person’s name on a card, alone, could potentially lead you to their front door. My solution to the problem would apply a personal approach to online dating by moving the initial encounter offline with a smooth physical introduction. In May of 2010, I launched Cheekd.com —my solution to the 999 missed opportunities I’d personally experienced.
HK: What was it like to be on Shark Tank? It had to be so exciting and surreal.
LC:The journey leading up to the Shark Tank has been the most exciting year of my life. With 8.5 million viewers, I've finally been given the opportunity to share my million-dollar idea with the world. Deal or no deal, this experience has been life changing. For weeks leading up to my pitch, I suffered a lot of anxiety and panic. I’ve put everything I have into this business and the stakes are just about as high as they can get when you’re in front of the Sharks. I’d never been more nervous in my entire life as I walked down what seemed like an endless hallway into the Shark Tank. My heart was about to beat out of my body. You’ve only got one shot and you can trust that I gave it my all.
HK: Here at HerKentucky, our motto is “Follow Your Dreams.” What is your advice to female entrepreneurs, especially those who have been told that an idea is too quirky or “unique” to work?
LC: My advice for other women in the entrepreneurial world is if you truly believe in your idea, give up excuses & doubt, surround yourself by a trusted and talented team, bulldoze forward and DON’T. LOOK. BACK. And if you’re single, you might even just find yourself a husband while you’re at it. I did.
Thanks so much to Lori for taking the time to chat with us! Be sure to tune in to Shark Tank tonight at 9PM EST on ABC.
Follow Your Dreams Friday: Elizabeth Elfen Johnston on Moving to Italy to Study Footwear and Accessory Design!
I went to Transylvania University as a fresh-faced girl that, like so many before her, wanted to be a doctor. I had been in pursuit of this dream my entire life. A childhood friend's dad even gave me the nickname Dr. Elizabeth. I had wanted to become a plastic surgeon, as it combined my two loves, art and medicine. Somewhere along the premed track, I decided that it was not for me...or Physics decided that it was not for me, who can remember? It was so long ago...so I switched my art minor to an art major. I was excited about this new direction, but my parents were hesitant. They rightfully asked me what I was going to do with an art degree? I told them that there were so many options and that I would find a new life plan soon. After that conversation, I started to think about what I really wanted to do with my life. I looked back at what my other passions had been and quickly discovered that shoes had been there all along.
My obsession with shoes started at an early age. I still remember getting my dad in trouble because he bought me white and silver LA Gear high tops with silver laces and his assignment was to help me pick out a pair of all white shoes for school. As a teenager, I would go to the mall and look at shoes for fun and before I would make any shoe purchase, I would pour over the design. I always wanted to change just a little something! So it hit me. I should design shoes for a living! And just like that, a new dream was born.
With my new dream in tow, I started to look over my options with one of my favorite Transy professors, Kurt Gohde. We found a program in NYC and one in Florence, Italy and I immediately decided that Italy would be the place for me. I had always wanted to live abroad for an extended period of time and I loved the program. I would be learning from the best and touring luxury factories across the Italian countryside. What more could a girl want? Ooh La La!
So Kurt and I set a plan in motion. After graduation, I would take a semester off to learn Italian at UK and then venture to Italy the second semester for a foundations of fashion design course at my new school, Polimoda.
The shoe that got me into the program!
From there I interviewed with the footwear and accessory chair and was accepted into the program for the following year. It was a wonderful experience. I designed shoes, but also took courses on how to make their patterns. I toured Ferregamo's factories and learned about the history of footwear from the curator of Ferregamo's museum. I was in shoe heaven in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I also reveled in the food and loved every minute of my experience.
Enjoying La Dolce Vita!
Upon graduation, I parlayed my training into an internship in NYC and then landed a job as the assistant footwear designer/production coordinator for a company that provided the footwear for Victoria's Secret. Yes, they have shoes...you should really check them out!
A fast fashion shoe created in Illustrator for VS. I have come a long way since that first shoe!
Due to the economic situation at the time, I was let go with Louboutins...true story and possibly the working title of my memoir! It really wasn't the worst way to go! After a few months, I found a position at a luxury handbag factory where I worked as the liaison between designers and our sample makers and helped coordinate production for several large well known luxury brands. It was a fun fast paced job and there was never a dull moment!
This position gave me the courage to start my own handbag line with hopes of one day adding a shoe line as well. I absolutely love making my bags by hand and while I have not debuted a new collection in quite some time, I have been making several bridal bags and bridesmaids bags for friends and family and I have been loving the results. Now that Scott and I have moved to Toledo, Ohio (I am always up for an adventure!) and I have more time on my hands, I have been working on a new collection and I could not be more excited to share it with you. I am hoping to launch it some time in March or early April on my etsy site! Let's just say that there will be lots of seersucker, pastels and bows. It is going to be a Southern girl's dream come true! Ooh La La!
Follow Your Dreams Friday: Sarah Stewart Holland and Emerge Kentucky
I remember the first time I considered public office. I was in high school and I was obsessed with Barbra Streisand. I thought it was because I wanted to be an actress. Then, I realized what I really loved about her was her political activism. She seemed to care. People listened to her opinions on important issues.
Now, I realize that Barbra Streisand is a unique choice as a political role model but, hey, I was 15.
From that point forward, politics was a part of my life. I was a political science major in college and was a political activist for women's issues and income inequality. I went to law school not because I wanted to practice law but because I wanted to make laws.
I worked for campaigns. I worked in Congress. Always with the goal of someday running for office.
However, the truth is I had a goal - I had a dream - but I didn't have a plan. I moved back to Kentucky. I had babies. I kept telling myself I was too young. I was too inexperienced. I suppose I was waiting to magically morph into this fantastic candidate people would pursue.
Then I saw Raising Ms. President -an experience I've shared here before. Suddenly, everything was different. Suddenly, running for office wasn't a dream in the distance; it was a goal for which I needed to plan.
As it turns out, Kentucky is a fabulous state to live in if you're a Democratic woman considering public office. I had heard about the Emerge Kentucky program - the premiere political training program for Democratic women - before but had put off looking into the program for a variety of reasons. It wasn't the right time. I had small kids. I wasn't "ready."
With my newfound focus, I could no longer tolerate excuses. There is never a perfect time to pursue your dreams. It will always be hard. It will always be difficult. It will always be scary. That's how dreams work.
I applied for the program. I got in. I even received a scholarship. (Thanks, Kentucky Young Democrats!) Now, every month I travel all over the state of Kentucky to pursue my dream of running for public office. We've only met twice and it has already been one of the most incredible journeys of my life.
I still don't know when I'll run for public office but now I know I'll be prepared when that day comes. I'm no longer waiting for my dreams to come to me. Come hell or high water, I'm coming for them.
~ Sarah Stewart Holland
Follow Your Dreams Friday: Emily Sandford of Authentically Social
Today is the third installment in Follow Your Dreams Friday, and features me! Here's the weird third-person bio for those who want a little intro:
Emily Sandford is the blogger behind Authentically Emmie, a healthy living and plus size fashion blog that has been featured in Ladies' Home Journal, All You, Shape Magazine, the New York Post, Prevention Magazine, Skirt! Magazine, Business Lexington, and more. She is also the owner of Authentically Social, a social media marketing consultancy for health/wellness, fashion/beauty, and lifestyle companies. Founded in 2012 after eight years of traditional brand management experience, her results-oriented social media, blogger outreach, and community management plans have earned Emily clients across the United States. She is the Website Chair for the Junior League of Lexington and serves as Communications Chair for AAF Lexington. She received her undergraduate degree and MBA from the University of Kentucky. Emily and her husband David reside in Lexington with their airedale terrier, Lilly.
Last week, I had one of those out-of-body experiences that left me wondering, "how did I get here? Can I pinch myself?"
Growing up, I was taught that to be successful, I needed to be a doctor. If not that, then maybe a dentist. After that, being an attorney was a good route. If nothing else, goodness gracious, at least get your MBA. (Not criticizing parents, just scene-setting.)
My completely underwhelming performances in math and science nixed the first couple of options. I am not big into confrontation, so being an attorney wasn't really desirable either. As an undergrad at UK, I got my degree in Integrated Strategic Communications (ISC) with a focus in advertising and public relations. I had dreams of moving to a big city like New York or San Francisco and being a super-creative type at an ad agency. But that didn't really fit either since I had a Kentucky boy in my life who was firmly planted here. Plus, I was creative, but not THAT creative.
After working for a few years in marketing for a local company, I thought it would be good to get my MBA. I was accepted into the one-year accelerated MBA program at UK, which was structured around supply chain/logistics, product development, M&A, and accounting. I read lots of business books and case studies, and thought that the ultimate career entailed being a "lifer" at a company. We called these people "IBM'ers" as this was the culture of many who work at IBM - they would stay with the company for their entire professional careers, being rewarded with steady pay increases, a decent retirement plan and health insurance, and at the end of it all, a gold watch for loyalty and service.
Speaking at MBA commencement
So how did I end up at an invite-only conference in the Hearst Building in Times Square (thinking "O EM GEE! IS ANNA WINTOUR IN THE BUILDING!?)? Or how did I end up with a 6 page spread in Ladies Home Journal talking all about myself and my weight? Or sitting on a Skype call every Friday afternoon talking to one of my favorite companies ever about content ideas for their page of 100K+ Facebook fans? *pinch* Yep, still here.
There's not a lot to the story, honestly. After graduating with my MBA, I worked at a few companies in corporate marketing positions. They were good, but I was unsettled. Work started to create a feeling of dread in my stomach. Yet, I never thought there were other options. As an outlet for my weight loss efforts after being rejected from The Biggest Loser, I started blogging and got into social media. I loved the interaction and human connection. To grow my blog traffic, I took my marketing and business background to track performance of my social channels. I reached out to one of my favorite brands for a blogging conference sponsorship, and they loved the outcome so much that I've been working with them ever since on their social media and marketing.
The stress from my corporate job was taking a toll on my health, especially when I was working long hours at nights and on weekends with what I called my "side hustle," blogging and managing others' social media accounts. My doctor advised me to make some serious changes after adrenal fatigue and it gave me an out: leaving my corporate job - the one I always thought I wanted - would be good for my health.
It's been over 2 years since I made the leap and I haven't looked back.
There are some key lessons I've learned as I've tried to follow my dreams:
- Your dreams can (and will) change: The good and bad part of being self-employed is that you control what you do. We're human, and your interests will change over time. You may try something you thought would be amazing, but then find it doesn't fulfill you. This is where the pivot comes in - don't be afraid to change direction. Doing so will only make you more motivated and excited for your work. That motivation and excitement is what will make you feel fulfilled and also fuel your bank account when channeled appropriately.
- Being a slasher is okay: I am a blogger / writer / social media consultant / entrepreneur / speaker / designer / whatever. This doesn't mean I'm scattered, it means I'm multi-passionate. Embrace being a multi-passionate entrepreneur and find ways to make it all work together. You'll often find new business opportunities or come up with amazing ideas you wouldn't have if you had stayed within one silo.
- You must say NO in order to make room for the opportunities you want: My biggest lesson in 2013 by far. Being self-employed, there are no guarantees where the next client will come from. So we have the tendency to say yes to ALL THE THINGS! and end up overwhelmed, burned out, or just plain bored with some of the work. Saying "no" doesn't mean you're turning away money - it means you're giving yourself the opportunity for something much better to come along.
- There is never a right time to make a leap: Some people say you need to have a year's worth of expenses saved, and others say they'll make a change when their kids grow up. There is no right time - sometimes you just have to jump. With my health scare, I used to joke that I was pushed into entrepreneurial waters, but in actuality, I made the choice despite feeling like I was incredibly unprepared. Best decision ever!
- We are absolutely, unequivocally, our worst enemies. Self-doubt is a momentum killer and anything you can do to prevent it is worth it. This is much easier said than done, so surround yourself with examples of success. Did a client send you a nice email? Print it out and put it next to your desk. I just picked up this big thing to hang in my office so I can look at it when I have doubts about myself or abilities.
If you want to hear me yammer about my decision to leave the corporate world to strike it out on my own, check out this Launch Yourself podcast. And if you're tired of hearing about me, the podcast has several other amazing interviews with those who have followed their dreams.