I am so excited for my mentor and guardian angel, Amy Callahan, COO of Collective Bias. She has been honored in a Forbes article “11 Women Who Started Amazing Companies.” Not only that, but Collective Bias (her amazing company) was listed on Forbes annual ranking of America’s Most Promising Companies – a list of 100 privately held, high-growth companies with bright futures. An amazing week for an amazing woman!
I was so excited to hear this news; I could hardly sleep last night. I wanted to find the best way I could pay tribute to her…. the woman who gave me, and countless others, a chance to thrive and a chance at a bright future. The best way I have to do that is to do what I do best…wordsmith.
I imagine that Amy had no idea when that tiny spark of an idea came to her that, three short years later, she would find herself and her company on a Forbes list. Her success gives me hope for all my big dreams and inspired visions…and she has taught me that dreams really do come true.
This is a grand achievement and a well-deserved recognition; however, I encourage Forbes to dig deeper and uncover all those lives that her dream has touched. I was a struggling blogger when Amy came into my life in 2011. What economists, pundits or even Forbes may not know is how these ‘’Promising Companies’ and their leaders are changing lives daily. I believe that these privately held, high-growth companies are the answer to our economic woes…and what may well save our economy. They are providing many, like myself, with bright futures.
The Back Story
I lost my job as the editor of an arts magazine in 2008 due to budget cuts. I searched for years, without success, to find employment and a source of income. I turned to blogging to share my voice and create a diversion from all the chaos that surrounded me. On January 2010, I launched this magazine with great hopes to monetize it and a desire to save my lifestyle. I wanted to help other creatives impacted by the economy.
Monetizing a blog is not an easy task. There are hundreds of so-called web gurus who offer schemes, plans and strategies to make money blogging. With what little saving I had left, I invested in a few…and found most to be too salesy (think sleazy) for my sensitive, creative soul. I was floundering….
I do believe luck is when preparedness meets opportunity and you grab it and run with it!!! In the fall of 2010 I met a beautiful woman, Jennifer Tuma Young, who invited me to join Social Fabric, the social marketing influencer community of Collective Bias. That chance meeting in a school in Hoboken, New Jersey opened the door to my future. I loved the campaigns and the projects Social Fabric offered bloggers. I was beginning to make an income. Better yet, I had found a home.
Social Fabric allows members to do what they love and grow as a blogger, a writer and a person. They offer opportunities to become a campaign leader and learn the inner workings of social media marketing. You get to work with top brands and build relationships with other amazing bloggers. Amy’s brainchild works brilliantly.
Preparedness Met Opportunity with a Bang
Amy recognizes, encourages and promotes the talents of her community. On one of the most devastating days of my life, as my beloved home was sold on the courthouse steps, I received a phone call that changed the course of my life. It was Amy who, along with Community Manager Courtney Velasquez, offered me a contract position with Collective Bias using my graphic design, editing and art direction skill set. I was filled with unbridled joy! For the first time in four years I could see the glimmer of a bright future.
Amy Callahan – a Dreamer and a Dream Maker
That one phone call answered all my prayers. With an income, I was able to move to a tiny townhome, enjoy the taste of fresh fruits and vegetables once again and so many more little luxuries held in the heart of one who has lost so much…like visit my only grandchild. Every day I thank my God for bringing this woman into my life and I count her among my biggest blessings!
So, you now see, why Amy is my hero and guardian angel. She inspires me to be the best I can be! She gave me a chance to become part the history making experience that is Collective Bias. I feel valued and listened to. I feel I can explore ideas with this company as I have so much more to offer. A remarkable leader can make you feel this way. Amy is that and more…she is a dream maker personified!
The best part is that my story is just one of many. Amy’s vision has touched and changed the lives of others. The stories our soFab members can share are a tribute to her cleverness as a leader, a visionary and a dreamer.
Congratulations Amy Callahan!
I am beyond words right now Rebecca, this is the most amazing thing anyone has ever done for me. Your spirit, positivity and creativity inspire me everyday, thank you for taking this journey with me and helping to make my dream a reality! I love you and wish we were closer so I could hug your neck right now:)
What a beautiful write-up Rebecca, I’ll have to read more about her and Collective Bias.
I love this story Rebecca. I could read it over and over again. I love where you are now! And you are so right…CB has changed so many lives. I’m a living testament and I couldn’t be more grateful if I tried. Glad you found your happy place. 🙂
This is a GREAT post, Rebecca! Amy, John, Courtney…all of the folks at Collective Bias…they are in the business of changing lives. I, like you, feel blessed to be associated with such amazing people, and am so proud of Amy as well!
What a beautiful story! Collective Bias has changed my life in so many ways, and I am so proud to be a part of their success and growth. Thank you Amy, John, Courtney, Kim, Brandi, and all the other hard-working people of CB/SoFab!
I can so relate to your story – I still look back to a little over a year and a half ago when I was told about Collective Bias/Social Fabric and am so thankful for the opportunity it provided. After having my second child and dreading leaving him in daycare to work any job I could find to help pay the bills, Social Fabric came along and helped me find a way to stay at home with him and use my marketing background to truly do what I love. The opportunities that have been offered through Social Fabric have been amazing but what has been even more amazing is that I haven’t once been asked to compromise my integrity or publish content I did not believe in. In the blogging word, that is somewhat rare. From the first “shopportunity” I was sent out on, I fell in love with the work, the people and the company. I was amazed when I received phone calls from Courtney and emails from John Andrews. It truly is a testament to a fabulous group of people who genuinely desire to help others. Amy, John, Courtney and the countless other who pour their hearts and souls into Collective Bias, I thank you – for following your dreams but at the same time bringing all of us along for the ride! And Amy – congratulations on the recognition for yourself and the company! It is such an honor to be a part of your amazing vision!
And Rebecca, as one of my first amazing campaign leads, THANK YOU for being so transparent and genuine. You willingness to help, share and even just offer a hug or a smile has never gone unnoticed! Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us all that no matter what our story, Collective Bias/Social Fabric has helped us all not only be better bloggers but also given us a home where we can learn and grow.
Although I don’t feel I know Amy in a personal way like you do, I feel like I know you, Rebecca! I’ve worked with you on many campaigns and you are a fantastic leader. You’ve encourage me to be the best that I can be and given me praise for a job well done. You’ve offered me your cell phone number to call when I was having a difficult time and have sent me encouraging emails. I want to thank you for your continued support!
As a fairly new blogger, I was invited to join Collective Bias via email and I didn’t even know if it was “for real”. I wanted to try to make my blog a success and really wanted to be able to help contribute to our family’s income. So, I went ahead and signed up. I have to say that it is one of the best things I have ever done! Almost 2 years later, I am still a part of this outstanding community called Social Fabric. Not only have I continued to work on sponsored posts for my blog, I am now working as a campaign leader too! I am able to do my work from home and still be available for my family. I can’t say thank you enough to Amy and John for allowing me to be part of this fabulous company. Congratulations on your recognition in Forbes! We already knew you were great and it is wonderful to see that made public in such a significant way!
What an awesome tribute to such an awesome person! Kudos Rebecca!
What a beautiful tribute Rebecca. I am so happy for Amy and the rest of the team at cBias. It is truly a wonderful place to be a part of and I am also so happy to have found this community.
Thanks so much Amy!
Beautiful post, Rebecca! Collective Bias has also been a wonderful opportunity for me and I am so very thankful for Amy Callahan and the entire company. I think you found all the right words in this…well done.