APRIL 2025 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: THE POWER IS IN THE PIVOT

April 10, 2025 by iamsummerterry Leave a Comment

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my career, my creative journey, and even in my personal life, it’s this: The power is in the pivot.

Some of you have been with me since my early days; back when I was hosting a Lehman College radio show to online radio shows on PNC Radio and InThe Mixx before the transition to the term podcast, or working street team and promotions at HOT 97, excitedly sharing my short writing clips as a contributor on digital publications like AllHipHop and HoneyMag to Twitter and Facebook, and my in depth celeb interviews on SingersRoom. Others found me later, through my blog, my beauty marketing career, or my social media presence. No matter when you joined, you’ve likely noticed one recurring theme in my story: change.

A Career Built on Pivots

My professional path has been anything but linear. I’ve worked in radio, TV advertising & commercial operations, cosmetology, customer service, legal operations, and beauty PR and digital marketing —all while freelancing, blogging, and even selling beauty products as an ItWorks distributor, where many of you were my customers (Thank you for supporting ya girl!).

Every time I thought I had stability, life had other plans. Positions were eliminated. Industries shifted. Budgets were cut. And each time, I had to reinvent myself.

• When I left HOT 97, I landed at Discovery Channel, only to be let go again.
• When I graduated cosmetology school, I knew I loved doing hair… but not for someone else’s salon so I started taking clients at my house.
• When I finally landed in beauty PR and digital marketing, I thrived… until layoffs happened (again).

Even now, as I continue to navigate grief after losing my mother which next month will make 2yrs, I’m learning that some of the most profound pivots aren’t just professional. They’re deeply personal!

Why Pivoting Is Power

Pivoting isn’t about failure. It’s about listening to yourself even when the world tries to box you in.

• When I left Verizon for a paralegal role, people thought I was crazy. But I needed work-life balance.
• When I quit the salon to do hair my way, it was a risk. But it led me to build my own clientele.
• When I took a sabbatical after my mom passed, it wasn’t “career suicide.” It was necessary healing.

Every pivot taught me something new. Every transition forced me to trust my instincts, even when the path wasn’t clear.

What’s Next?

Right now, I’m in another season of transition. The job market is tough, but I refuse to settle for roles that don’t align with my worth. In the meantime? I’m creating. I’m writing. I’m monetizing my gifts because, as my Bronx brother Fat Joe said, “Yesterday’s price is not today’s price!”

This month, I challenge you to embrace your own pivots. Maybe you’re considering a career shift, starting a side hustle, or finally prioritizing your well-being. Whatever it is, remember: There is power in the pivot.

Here’s to evolving fearlessly.

To a life styled right,

Summer Terry

Let’s Get Personal: Have you ever had to make a major pivot in your life or career? How did it shape you? Share your stories in the comments!

Photo Credits: Auckvision