If you're like me, you occasionally find yourself casually scrolling on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter and just sort of swipe past the ads. Well, I've been noticing that as I'm swiping, I'll occasionally come by an "ad" I DON'T want to swipe by because it's sometimes one of my friends promoting their grind! 

Being brave enough and opting to follow your heart and dreams/pave your own course as opposed to settling for a (sometimes safer and more secure) 9-5 job is inspiring. More and more, I've been taking notice of millennials that sell their art, freelance or are in the process of even starting/growing their own business. 

This generation never ceases to amaze me with their innovation, creativity and drive. It's certainly something to recognize and celebrate.

My original idea to celebrate these inspirational peeps was to write an article highlighting a few businesses owned by friends or people who I knew of. I came up with a list in my head of about 10-15 and then I thought,"Well let me just make sure I didn't miss anyone!" So I posted a photo on my Instagram page... and an additional 45+ young entrepreneurs contacted me. THIS WAS AN AWESOME RESPONSE but it was very overwhelming on my end. Feeling way in over my head, I was like, "Uhhh....yeah, I'm going to have to re-think how I approach this project." 

Obviously if I featured 50 business in a single article, it would be an article with an upward 5,000 word count which readers wouldn't be able to get through (defeating the entire purpose of highlighting all business equally and providing equal shine).

So, new plan! A series of articles: "Millennials Making MOVES."

I will be posting one per week (or so) until everyone is featured. The series will be organized with loosely categorized articles (photographers, chefs, beauticians, artists, fashion designers, etc.). I even will have a final article on millennials whose businesses aren't fully established yet but are in the business planning process!

So to those that sent me their info/words: thank you! Be patient with me! Those who I've been in contact with and still have not sent me stuff, get on it please! Those who are reading currently and want to be included; it's not too late! Shoot me a DM! 

It's so important for me to encourage and support those who are following their heart because I know how scary it is to do that. I did it too! Here's a paragraph excerpt from one of my very first articles explaining why I changed my major from Pre-med to Journalism:

"When I explain that I am no longer a pre-med major, but now wanting to peruse a career in journalism. My reasoning is that I got caught in the trap, but I got out of it. When I say, “trap”, I mean the trap that many fall into that starts in high school, middle school, even earlier for some who embed their definition of success to their children at an even younger age. The “trap” that makes many think that the only majors that yield success are pre-med or any other health profession, law, engineering, etc. It sucks that I got trapped, but it would have sucked even more if I never got out of it."

And here I am fulfilling my dream a year later. I am so full with happiness and I just want to encourage those who are also fulfilling their dream to continue as well inspire those considering doing so.

Life is TOO short to not spend it doing what you love!

Enjoy the series, follow your heart and let’s make sure we support our generation's grind! Use these articles as a source! When looking for new clothes, a MUA, graphic designer, DJ, chef or new art for your home, circle back to these articles and let's be cheerleaders for our millennials making moves!