Today we’d like to introduce you to Janeth Benjamin.
Janeth, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story began as a 7-year-old girl living in Jamaica. I was introduced to poetry as a child and I fell in love. Writing came naturally to me but was never seen as an option for a career. This semi-new path started around 2010, when I began sharing my poetry online. Folks liked my words and then I participated in a challenge for National Poetry Month in 2015 and I surpassed my own expectations. The challenge was to write a poem a day and I quickly realized that if I put as much effort into this, I could really do this for a lifetime. During that time, I was having my minor existential crisis. I was turning 30 and for some reason, I felt that I hadn’t accomplished anything. Technically by society’s standards, I was way behind. Then, I stopped. I stopped downplaying what my 20’s gave me and made a pact to help others see and appreciate the journey that is their life. A year later, in 2016, I self-published Bloom by 30, The Miki Chronicles. I admit, it was rush job. I could’ve taken the time to learn more about marketing and sales strategies and building a proper brand for my story but I wanted to have something. I am grateful for the lessons from publishing my book. I’ve learned quite a bit since then and I intend on applying them to all my upcoming projects.
It has been 5 National Poetry Months since this whole experience started. I got laid off in 2017. Before that I had a breakdown that put quite a few things into perspective. Since early 2018, my goal has been to fully develop a plan to simply, help others bloom, at their own pace. To create the mindset and practical thought processes to help them build the life they want for themselves. To authentically show up for themselves every single time. To be aware, connected and fearless. In some ways the pandemic has been a blessing. I’ve been experiencing a wave of creative bloom that has shown me exactly what I need to do. I’m building the blueprint for my legacy. I am launching projects that requires more manpower than I appear to but I’m focused on getting them done. I have this idea that I need to exceed my own potential and I love trying.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been as smooth as I’d like. My biggest challenge to date is cash flow. I have ideas that require money to launch or keep afloat. Still, that hasn’t stopped me from creating and it hasn’t discouraged me from continuing. I’ve had to make sacrifices for living. Your expenses like rent, light, food, etc are things you can’t just put on hold.
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Miki Chronicles story. Tell us more about the business.
My business is multi-layered. I am a freelance writer; I specialize in drafting hearing briefs and other pertinent correspondence for Social Security Disability Claims. I also review and edit resumes. I am a content creator, copywriter, poet, editor, and author. I also own/manage my own merch store.
I am proud that I am able to apply my creativity to most areas. I am adaptable to most situations and can easily find solutions to issues as they arise. What sets me apart is my ability to see the big picture and my ability to take a concept from inception to execution. I am able to map out all the parts before launch, including marketing, social media, and research.
I understand that businesses require niches but I’d rather not be put in narrow views. Potential is endless when properly and clearly applied and that’s my ultimate goal.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I am a woman of faith so I don’t know if you want to call it luck. I am surviving by the Grace of God. I pray for and about everything. So, what I’m writing has to make God’s people better. My purpose in writing isn’t just about me feeling good. I write to connect, change, and inspire for God’s glory. I don’t see setbacks as bad luck, it’s just not the right time and that’s something I had to learn the hard way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.themikichronicles.com
- Email: info@themikichronicles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themikichronicles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themikichronicles
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikichronicles
Image Credit:
Janeth Benjamin
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