Today we’d like to introduce you to Christin Gomes.
Christin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I never thought entrepreneurship was my path. When I was in college, my aspirations were more about climbing the corporate ladder and being a renowned leader in marketing. I left college with big dreams and headed to Atlanta bright-eyed, full of hope and ambition. I was caught off guard when I struggled to find employment during the recession. In my eyes, I did everything right. I worked hard in school, got good grades, and interned at top companies. It just didn’t make sense. After months of searching, I finally landed my first role. Things seemed to be forming in place. So, imagine my surprise that less than a year later, I would be downsized from my position because the company lost a major client and could no longer afford to keep me. I’ll never forget that moment of insecurity and instability. The very things I was running away from in entrepreneurship, were happening to me in my seemingly safe job.
At the time, I confided in my friend and now business partner, Ida Gibson. It was definitely a turning point for me, and we knew someday we would need to get to a place where we were working for ourselves. Through the years, we tossed a few ideas around and worked on a few projects together, but it was in 2017 when it became clear that our generation needed an etiquette boost and it was a passion project and business venture we wanted to take on. That was the beginning of Common Courtesy.
These days, Ida and I, work as etiquette coaches to aid our peers and businesses on proper etiquette practices in every social situation – work, friendships, relationships, and events.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all! The road to self-discovery is not smooth or easy and it’s ongoing! Still, it can be very rewarding when you finally break a wall. I’ve experienced lots of career disappointments, setbacks or general frustrations in my years. Even creating a brand and business that you’re passionate about comes with challenges. The numbers don’t always reflect the effort and balancing everything can be difficult.
My biggest advice to young women starting off is never give up on your dreams, but be realistic on your expectations. Success does not come overnight, and one of the biggest challenges women face is often attributing career success to self-worth. It’s extremely difficult not to internalize missteps or misfortune. To this day, I sometimes second guess myself because of being downsized from my first position. It still messes with my psyche. But we can’t give that self-doubt power. Set reasonable, measurable goals and work toward obtaining those every day.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am the co-owner of Common Courtesy with my business partner and Georgia girl Dr. Ida Gibson. Common Courtesy is a virtual destination for navigating everyday social situations with poise and grace. What makes us different from other etiquette resources is that we specifically cater to millennials. Ida and I always discussed social etiquette situations together and wondered how we could share guidance with our friends and peers. We then discovered the etiquette market and realized it was missing the voice of two young, black, educated women.
Many traditional etiquette practices might seem a bit outdated or unrealistic for today’s young professional. However, that doesn’t mean that difficult, awkward or uncomfortable social situations don’t arise on a regular basis. Our site helps you approach these situations with hopes of producing the best outcome for you and the other parties involved. It also educates readers on common inconveniences we may be causing others unintentionally, and how to rectify those moving forward.
We also offer etiquette classes for a more hands-on experience. We host dining etiquette classes for adults and several manners courses for children and young teens. We have an upcoming dining etiquette class in July and we are also hosting a kids etiquette camp for children ages 6-12.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
I think I can speak for both Ida and myself and say that our mothers are a big inspiration for us. We wouldn’t be the women we are today without being raised by them. Other inspirations of mine are women who are fearless in their convictions and relentless in their work ethic. Fortunately, I’ve had the honor to know and be influenced by so many women like this in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.itscommoncourtesy.com
- Email: itscommoncourtesyinc@gmail.com
- Instagram: @its_commoncourtesy and @christingomes_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itscommoncourtesy/
Image Credit:
D8nn Photography
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