Do you see yourself as a leader?

I consider myself a quiet leader, one that does stuff on the down low. I can predict what colors are coming into fashion before they do. I consider that lucky. But I’m no longer a slave to fast fashion.

Now, I wear what I like when I like. I have become a follower of slow fashion. I buy jeans once a year & rarely buy new clothes. I like to buy clothes that last, not that “expire” in 2 months because fashion has moved on.

Hence, I wear most of the clothes I have & mix & match with what is new & what’s old. I consider myself a quiet leader. Also, because I know what poor management looks like since I did 10 years of Habitat for Humanity managing sites & making sure people were safe on the work sites. Being a good manager means balancing the work area & making sure everyone is happy in their roles. No micro managing & dictating to people what they should be doing. That’s what makes for a bad leader. An understanding I wouldn’t have unless I did the work I did.

What personality trait in people raises a red flag with you?

I’m not a fan of impersonal companies & people. When they treat others with cold & nearly robotic responses. It tells me they don’t respect other people’s feelings.

It’s a red flag because it’s bordering on being abusive. Or people that mistreat others for their own gain. Especially if they’re in a food service or customer service oriented job. If the person treats the barista badly, that means they treat others badly & that’s not okay.

Behavior that talks down to people & mistreats them is a huge red flag. All people should be treated with respect & be seen. When companies & people mistreat people that are just trying to get ahead it’s a red flag.

I just got a mass email with a rejection inserted in it. I don’t shop there & won’t in the future when I am capable & able to do the work. It was impersonal & cold. Two things a company hiring people should never be. No thanks you don’t need my money now or in the future.

What does your ideal home look like?

Both physically & mentally. I think my ideal home is what I have now. A place where I feel safe to be me & it’s physically & mentally. Growing up in domestic violence I cherish my home. My house where I grew up was never a home because I never felt safe there.

Now, I realize that my ideal home is now. In the present & where I live. It may not be perfect but it’s our home. I have a happy dog that greets me when I come home & a husband that loves me.

It may not be big or grand but it’s home. Home is where you feel safe & loved exactly for who you are. That’s my ideal home.